Can you give us an introduction to UCB, its operations, and your role within the company?
UCB is a biopharmaceutical company based in Belgium, operating globally with a workforce of nearly 9,000 across 36 countries and generating over 5 billion euros in revenue. Our primary focus areas are immunology and neurology. My role involves integrating sustainability into our operations and strategic direction, ensuring we continue to innovate and provide healthcare solutions with a societal impact worldwide.
How is UCB approaching the issue of sustainability within the pharmaceutical industry?
At UCB, sustainability is integrated into our core business strategy, encompassing not just environmental concerns but also our social impact and commitment to patients, employees, and communities. We engage with stakeholders to identify focus areas that drive both societal and financial impact. This holistic approach ensures we minimize our environmental footprint while maximizing our positive impact on society, aligning our business practices with sustainability goals.
What are the main challenges and opportunities you see in becoming more sustainable?
Rather than viewing sustainability as a challenge, we see it as a compelling opportunity, especially for engaging with the younger generation of our workforce. It represents a significant transformation not just for UCB but for the broader industry and society. We've adopted a structured approach, integrating sustainability into our business model, setting clear targets, and linking executive remuneration to both financial and societal performance.
Can you discuss UCB's commitment to the Science-Based Targets initiative and your plans to achieve these goals?
UCB committed to reducing our carbon emissions in 2016 following the Paris Agreement, focusing on both emissions we control and those from our supply chain. In 2023, we've committed to science-based targets towards achieving net zero emissions, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices throughout our operations and with our suppliers. The validation of our targets is underway, reflecting our long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.
How does UCB view the role of artificial intelligence in drug development and market introduction?
While acknowledging the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize drug development and discovery, I admit that this area is not my core expertise. However, I am aware that our research and development teams are integrating AI into their work, recognizing its potential to change how we operate and innovate in the pharmaceutical industry.
What is UCB's approach to talent management, especially in the context of ESG concerns?
UCB prioritizes learning, diversity, equity, inclusion, and the well-being of our employees. We strive to be a learning organization that embraces diversity and inclusion across all dimensions, including gender, ethnicity, and generational diversity. Our efforts are measured and adapted based on employee feedback, with programs tailored to enhance inclusion and well-being, ensuring a supportive and productive work environment.
Could you elaborate on UCB's strategy for improving access to medicines in low and middle-income countries?
UCB focuses on equitable access to care, especially in areas like epilepsy, which is prevalent in low and middle-income countries. Despite our limited geographic footprint in these regions, we implement clear programs to measure and improve access to our products. This includes initiatives in India, Rwanda, Brazil, and in low-income communities in the US, working with local partners to increase awareness, affordability, and accessibility of our treatments.
How do UCB's products improve the lives of those with epilepsy, and what impact do they have?
Epilepsy is highly diverse, and some of our products target severe forms of the condition, significantly improving patients' quality of life. Medications help control seizures, enabling patients to resume activities like driving and working.
While not all epilepsy is fully controlled by current therapies, a large proportion of patients benefit greatly from current treatments, highlighting their critical role in managing the condition.
What is UCB's vision for the future, particularly concerning equity, sustainability, and access to healthcare?
Our vision for UCB is to be a leader in providing equitable access to our medicines, driving sustainable performance, and fostering an inclusive environment both within the company and in the communities we serve. By focusing on these areas, we aim to create a future where our operations and products reflect our commitment to improving lives, embodying our ideals of patient-driven, science-based healthcare solutions.
