UCB expands partnership with Chinese epilepsy association

UCB has strengthened its relationship with the Chinese Association Against Epilepsy (CAAE) by signing a fresh memorandum of understanding.

The two organisations, which have enjoyed a strategic partnership since 2005, have agreed to work towards launching more epilepsy awareness centres across China in the coming years.

A new epilepsy centre at the Peking University First Hospital was inaugurated by Princess Mathilde of Belgium as part of the Belgian economic mission to China this week.

Luc Vermeesch, head of international major markets at UCB, described the Beijing centre as "an important milestone in the UCB-CAAE partnership, which will continue to blossom in the future".

He added: "Our passion is to improve the lives of epilepsy patients all over the world."

UCB has also used the trade mission to agree a new strategic partnership with the China Center for Pharmaceutical International Exchange.

Last month, UCB announced that Gerhard Mayr will take over as the Belgian company's new chairman of the board from May next year.