1 February 2012 - Belgian UCB SA (EBR:UCB) said on Wednesday it had sealed an agreement with Japanese Astellas (TSE:4503) to collaborate in the development and marketing of UCB's rheumatoid arthritis medicine Cimzia in Japan.

The Belgian firm will receive an unspecified initial cash payment and is also eligible to receive clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones. It will manufacture and supply the product for commercialisation, while Astellas will manage the distribution exclusively.

UCB filed Cimzia, or certolizumab pegol, for marketing approval in Japan in January 2012.