UCB invests in its Braine-l’Alleud site
Following the inauguration of a new gene therapy production unit in 2024, UCB is continuing to invest in its Braine-l’Alleud campus with the creation of a state-of-the-art research & development (R&D) center expected by 2028.
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In 2024, the pharmaceutical group UCB inaugurated a new cutting-edge gene therapy facility. This investment reflects UCB’s commitment to continuous innovation and lays the foundation for future success in gene therapy. The new Belgian facility complements existing world-class infrastructure and advanced scientific platforms, including biologics, small molecules, and peptides. The new site represents an investment of more than €200 million.
In recent years, gene therapy has undergone major advances and is now considered a promising approach capable of fundamentally transforming disease treatment — shifting from symptom management to disease modification and, for certain patient populations, potential cures. However, the production of viral vectors (the delivery vehicles for gene therapies) remains complex due to still-inefficient manufacturing processes, insufficiently characterized products, and limited and costly capacity among external providers. Internal process development and analytical capabilities, along with flexible and integrated clinical manufacturing, have therefore become key success factors.
This new infrastructure strengthens the gene therapy teams currently active in Braine and Leuven (Belgium), as well as in Boston and Durham (United States).
The investment in the new research & development center is a cornerstone of our vision for the Braine-l’Alleud Campus
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A new research & development center
Following the inauguration of the production unit, UCB launched the construction of its state-of-the-art research & development (R&D) center on its Braine-l’Alleud Campus — a key component of the company’s long-term innovation strategy. Designed to strengthen the Campus’s role as a global hub for innovative research, development, manufacturing, and supply, this center, known as the Arkelia project, aims to reinforce UCB’s position as a leader in delivering breakthrough solutions to patients worldwide. The project represents an investment of more than €100 million.
Strategically located within the UCB Campus, the new center will be physically connected to the Braine gene therapy pharmaceutical development center as well as to key neurology research infrastructure. This integration marks a major step toward creating a cohesive environment where research, development, and high-tech manufacturing coexist, fostering progress and collaboration across critical stages of innovation.
The center will focus on UCB’s research in neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, epilepsy, and selected key preclinical development activities. Around 170 employees will work in this collaborative space, designed to encourage interdisciplinary work. With advanced automated systems and cutting-edge scientific tools, this investment will strengthen UCB’s R&D capabilities, driving both efficiency and innovation. The center is expected to be fully operational by mid-2028.
This new center is much more than just a building; it is a collaborative ecosystem where our scientists can thrive. The project illustrates our commitment to fostering innovation and delivering transformative solutions to patients worldwide
