From clinical research and patient support to partnerships that address gaps in care, UCB Canada reflects on two decades of growth and looks to its next chapter
OAKVILLE, ON, Nov. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- UCB Canada is proud to mark its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of work with patients, patient advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, researchers and partners across the healthcare ecosystem to improve the lives of people living with severe diseases.
Established in 2006, UCB Canada has steadily expanded its presence across neurology, immunology and rare diseases. Over the past three years, it has nearly doubled its Canadian workforce while introducing multiple medicines and expanding its investments in research, partnerships and patient support. Throughout that growth, its purpose has remained constant: creating value for people living with severe diseases.
"Twenty years ago, UCB started its journey in Canada with an ambition to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with severe diseases and to contribute to a stronger healthcare system," said Rodrigo Reis, General Manager, UCB Canada. "What we have built since then reflects the commitment of our employees and the trust and insight of patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, patient advocacy organizations and partners across the country. Continuing to listen to and learn from them will shape our next chapter."
A growing contribution to research and care
UCB Canada's evolution is reflected in its investment in Canadian clinical research. Between 2019 and 2025, UCB invested more than $140 million in clinical trials in Canada, with more than 700 Canadian patients participating in over 160 trials. This work has helped generate Canadian evidence that advances medical knowledge, improves patient care and creates opportunities for Canadian physicians and researchers to lead studies, contribute to international research efforts, and share scientific findings.
More recently, UCB Canada has expanded its work in rare diseases. It has introduced new therapies for people living with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), a rare neuromuscular disease, while working with patient advocacy groups and healthcare professionals to raise awareness of the challenges people living with the condition can face.
UCB Canada recently released its 2023-2025 Economic and Sustainability Impact Report showcasing the company's measurable impact and growth in the country. UCB's Canadian operations have contributed an estimated $187.1 million to Canada's GDP between 2023 and 2025. The report also highlights the reach of UCB Canada's Patient Support Programs, with more than 31,000 patients enrolled to date and supported in navigating various aspects of their care and treatment journeys.
Partnerships shaped around patient needs
UCB Canada's approach extends beyond its commitment to clinical excellence and advancing therapies. Alongside patients and healthcare partners, it is exploring ways to improve how patients are identified, supported and connected with specialized care.
Developed with healthcare partners, UCB Canada's FASTRAX Canada program brings specialty trained physiotherapists and rheumatologists together to support earlier identification and more streamlined referral for people who may be living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).1 Beginning with a pilot in Toronto, the model has expanded to other communities, including Thunder Bay, Ottawa and Québec City.
UCB Canada's longstanding relationship with patient organizations, including Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE), reflects its commitment to understanding the priorities of people living with arthritis. Through ongoing engagement and support for ACE's independent education and advocacy activities, UCB Canada has helped advance conversations about timely diagnosis, access to evidence-based treatments, and equitable, high-quality arthritis care across Canada.
"Listening to people living with arthritis is essential, but their experiences must also help shape decisions about their care," said Cheryl Koehn, President, Arthritis Consumer Experts. "When patient organizations, healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies work together, we can better identify gaps in care, strengthen patient education, and advocate for timely, equitable access to the treatments and services people need."
Partnerships have also helped bring patient experiences to a wider audience. Through its longstanding collaboration with Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC), UCB Canada recently worked with people living with myasthenia gravis (MG), neurologists, and advocates to create A Bear Who Took His Time: The Myasthenia Gravis Edition.2 The reimagining of A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh helps illustrate how symptoms can affect everyday activities and relationships.
"Greater awareness starts with understanding the lived experiences of people affected by myasthenia gravis. Through our collaboration with UCB Canada, the myasthenia gravis awareness campaign translated the often invisible and unpredictable impact of MG into a story that families, healthcare professionals and the broader public could understand," said Homira Osman, PhD, Vice President, Research, Public Policy and Programs, Muscular Dystrophy Canada. "UCB Canada's commitment to working collaboratively with patient organizations and the broader rare disease community has helped create meaningful opportunities to elevate patient voices, strengthen awareness and address unmet needs. Partnerships such as these are essential to improving understanding, support and outcomes for people affected by rare neuromuscular conditions."
UCB Canada has further contributed to important discussions among patients living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, painful skin condition, alongside clinicians, advocates, and industry partners on ways to improve care. The result was the formation of the first Canadian HS Coalition, bringing together clinicians, patients, patient advocates and UCB Canada. The subsequent publication of the HS vision paper outlines priorities across clinical education, health policy, patient support, public awareness, and health equity, as well as calls for a more coordinated approach to care, marking an important step toward advancing care and support for the HS community.
Looking ahead: advancing research and strengthening care together
As UCB Canada looks ahead, it plans to continue advancing research in areas of significant unmet need and supporting the participation of Canadian patients, physicians and researchers in clinical trials. It also aims to build on work with patients and partners to improve disease awareness, care pathways and timely access to specialized support.
Those priorities reflect a key learning from UCB Canada's first 20 years: progress depends on understanding what people living with severe diseases need, then working together to address it.
About UCB Canada Inc.:
UCB Canada Inc. is the Canadian affiliate of UCB, a global biopharmaceutical leader dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe autoimmune and central nervous system diseases. Headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, UCB Canada employs over 100 people, located across the country. UCB Canada Inc. partners with healthcare professionals, research institutions, and patient organizations to advance access to innovative treatments and improve patient outcomes. In 2026, the company celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of dedication to Canadian patients, healthcare professionals, and communities. For more information, please visit https://www.ucbcanada.com/en/Home.
About UCB:
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines and solutions for severe diseases of the immune system or central nervous system. With more than 9,000 employees across nearly 40 countries, UCB is committed to making a meaningful difference in patients' lives worldwide. For more information, visit www.ucb.com.
© 2026 UCB Canada Inc. 602-2201 Bristol Circle, Oakville, ON, L6H 0J8. All rights reserved. Date of Approval: October 27, 2026 | CA-OT-2600047
References
1. UCB Canada. FASTRAX. Available from: https://www.ucbcanada.com/en/about-ucb/fastrax. Last Accessed October 1, 2026. | |
2. Muscular Dystrophy Canada. A Bear Who Took His Time: The Myasthenia Gravis Edition. 2026. Available from: https://muscle.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MDC-MG-Chapter-A-Bear-Who-Took-His-Time.pdf. Last Accessed October 1, 2026. |
SOURCE UCB Canada Inc.
Media Inquiries: Ali Aziz, [email protected], +1-647-978-2000
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