Study Suggests Risperidone Long-Acting Injection Combined with Standard Treatment Helped Delay Time to Relapse in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Patients with frequently relapsing bipolar disorder had a significant delay in the time to an initial relapse when risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) was combined with standard treatment, according to a new study. The study compared patients who received RLAI and standard treatment to those who received standard treatment combined with placebo.

The study was presented yesterday at the 14th Biennial Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disordersin Montreux, Switzerland.1 This one-year, phase 3, trial is the first placebo-controlled study to explore the use of a long-acting injection medication in the maintenance treatment of frequently relapsing bipolar disorder (FRBD). FRBD, defined as four or more manic or depressive episodes in the previous year that require a doctor's care, may affect 20% of the 27 million people with bipolar disorder worldwide.2, 3

The study compared the time to the next mood episode, also known as a relapse, in FRBD patients receiving RLAI plus standard treatment vs. patients receiving placebo plus standard treatment. For most patients, standard treatment consisted of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anxiolytics or combinations thereof. The trial showed that time to relapse was significantly longer in patients receiving RLAI compared with placebo (p=0.004) and the relative risk of relapse was 2.4 times higher with placebo. The relapse rates were 47.8% with placebo and 22.2% with RLAI.

"Patients with frequently relapsing bipolar disorder require more healthcare interventions than patients with fewer episodes, and there is a huge unmet need for new treatments," said Dr. Joseph Calabrese, Co-Director of the Bipolar Disorders Research Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Calabrese is a consultant to the study sponsors, Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, L.L.C. "Risperidone long-acting injection is administered once every two weeks by a healthcare professional and avoids the need for patients to remember to take daily antipsychotic medications. "

In the study, 139 patients were randomized to receive either RLAI 25-50mg intramuscular injection (n=72), or placebo injections (n=67) adjunctive to standard treatment. Patients receiving RLAI plus standard treatment were eligible to enter the double blind phase of the trial if they met predefined criteriaa for being stable the last four weeks of the 16-week open-label stabilization phase.

In the study, Frequently Relapsing Bipolar Disorder: Evidence for an Effective Treatment Using Adjunctive Risperidone Long-Acting Injectable, 67% of patients randomized received a 25 mg dose of RLAI, 29% received a 37.5 mg dose and 4% received a 50 mg dose, administered once every two weeks.

The primary efficacy endpoint in the double-blind phase of the trial was the time from randomization to relapse, where relapse was defined as the first occurrence of a mood episode as determined by an independent Relapse Monitoring Board (RMB).b

The results showed a significant difference in time to relapse (p=0.004), with a more than two-fold higher risk of relapse in the placebo group (47.8%) than the RLAI group (22.2%). In addition, scores on the Clinical Global Impression–Bipolar–Severity (CGI-BP-S) scale for overall bipolar disorder and the Clinical Global Impression-Bipolar-Change (CGI-BP-C) scale worsened significantly (p<0.05) in the placebo group compared with the RLAI group.

Treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAEs) occurred more frequently in the group that received placebo and standard treatment (76.1%) than in the group that received RLAI and standard treatment (70.8%), as did serious adverse effects (placebo=19.4%; RLAI = 13.9%). The most common TEAEs (greater than 5%) in the double-blind phase were tremor (RLAI = 23.6%; placebo = 16.4%), insomnia (RLAI = 19.4%; placebo = 23.9%), muscle rigidity (RLAI = 11.1%; placebo = 6%); weight gain (RLAI = 6.9%; placebo = 1.5%) and hypokinesia (RLAI = 6.9%; placebo = 0%). A total of 5 patients discontinued due to adverse events in the double-blind phase (3 in the RLAI group and 2 in the placebo group).

Risperidone long-acting injection is marketed in the U.S. by Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The formulation is manufactured by Alkermes, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKS). Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, funded the study.

About Bipolar Disorder

It is estimated that 27 million people worldwide2 suffer from bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder. It is characterized by debilitating mood swings, from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression). Signs of mania include euphoria, extreme irritability or rage, accelerated or disorganized thinking and an increase in risky behaviors. Signs of depression include intense sadness or despair, loss of energy, insomnia and suicidal thoughts.

A classification of patients identified as "rapid-cycling" and also having four or more episodes during the previous 12 months, is estimated to occur in approximately 10-20% of patients with bipolar disorder seen in mood disorder clinics. The types of mood episodes (manic, depressed, mixed) seen in these patients can occur in any pattern. The course of their illness is characterized by a requirement for more health care resources, more concomitant medications and poorer outcomes.4

About Risperidone Long-Acting Injection

Risperidone long-acting injection is the first and only long-acting, atypical antipsychotic to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and now is approved in more than 70 countries worldwide. The treatment uses Alkermes proprietary Medisorb® technology to deliver and maintain therapeutic medication levels in the body through just one injection every two weeks. Janssen markets Risperidone long-acting injection in the United States. The formulation is manufactured by Alkermes, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKS). Available in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg and 50 mg dose units, it is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia. For more information about RISPERDAL CONSTA, visit www.risperdalconsta.com.

Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is based in Titusville, N.J. and is the only large pharmaceutical company in the U.S. dedicated solely to mental health. As the company celebrates its 50th year in mental health, it currently markets prescription medications for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar mania and the treatment of symptoms associated with autistic disorder. For more information about Janssen, visit www.janssen.com.

Alkermes, Inc. is a biotechnology company that uses proprietary technologies and know-how to create innovative medicines designed to yield better therapeutic outcomes for patients with serious disease. Alkermes manufactures RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, marketed by Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the U.S. and Janssen-Cilag, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, outside of the U.S. Alkermes also developed and manufactures VIVITROL®, marketed in the U.S. primarily by Cephalon, Inc. The company's pipeline includes extended-release injectable, pulmonary and oral products for the treatment of prevalent, chronic diseases, such as central nervous system disorders, addiction and diabetes. Alkermes is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with research and manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts and Ohio. For more information about Alkermes, visit www.alkermes.com.

a Stable remission was achieved if, during the last 4 weeks of the 16-week OL stabilization phase the subject had not met DSM-IV-TR criteria for active mood disorder; the subject had no crisis interventions; the subject’s Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total scores both remained ≤10 and the Clinical Global Impression – bipolar severity (CGI-BP-S) score remained ≤ 3 and the subject’s medications and doses of other psychotropic medications remained unchanged.

b RMB = a fully independent, blinded, international board of 3 psychiatrists considered experts in the treatment of bipolar disorder. They reviewed all clinical data and determined whether the patient met relapse criteria.

References

1 Aphs L, Kujawa M, Macfadden W et al., Frequently relapsing bipolar disorder: evidence for an effective treatment using adjunctive risperidone long-acting injectable, presented at the 14th Biennial Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia, Montreux, Switzerland, February 2008.

2 The Global Burden of Disease. World Health Organization, 2003. Available at
http://www.who.int/mip/2003/other_documents/en/globalburdenofdisease.pdf, accessed January 18, 2008

3 DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.

4 DSM-IV, American Psychiatric Association, 2000

Unique Lens Material Helps Minimize Contact Lens Wearers' Discomfort And Dryness Symptoms Under Adverse Environmental Conditions, Study Shows

New research suggests that a novel silicone hydrogel material could help keep contact lens wearers from discarding their contacts due to discomfort caused by feelings of dryness, the most commonly reported reason people discontinue contact lens wear. Using a controlled clinical model for evaluating dryness, researchers report that patients experienced less discomfort while wearing contact lenses made with senofilcon A (ACUVUE® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses) than they did either while wearing no lenses or while wearing their usual contact lenses in a controlled adverse environment. The findings appear in the current issue of Current Medical Research and Opinion.

Contact lens wearers frequently complain of sensations of eye discomfort and dryness associated with wearing their lenses. Roughly 51 percent of lapsed lens wearers cite discomfort as the primary reason they discontinued wearing their lenses. Forty percent attribute their contact lens abandonment to dryness.

"Most soft contact lenses materials have demonstrated a susceptibility to environmental factors which can lead to clinical symptoms normally associated with ocular dryness," says Sheila Hickson-Curran, Director, Medical Affairs, Vistakon. "In addition to humidity, variables such as air movement (wind), temperature, and blink-rate altering visual activities such as reading and computer use can exacerbate signs and symptoms of dryness in contact lens wearers."

"Senofilcon A has previously shown promising results for reducing lens-wear related symptoms of dryness and discomfort," she adds. "This study shows that contact lenses made with senofilcon A may be superior to other soft lens materials in terms of minimizing dryness symptoms associated with exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Senofilcon A was also found to reduce discomfort symptoms even beyond that experienced with no lens, indicating a protective effect."

About the Study

The purpose of the study was to compare the ability of ACUVUE OASYS™ (senofilcon A) contact lenses to wearer's habitual contact lenses to provide relief from ocular discomfort during contact lens wear in adverse environmental conditions.

Researchers used the Controlled Adverse Environment (CAE) model, a proprietary state-of-the-art model for conducting ocular dryness studies, to investigate dryness during contact lens wear. Typically incorporated into clinical trials studying ocular dryness, the CAE is used to exacerbate dryness symptoms in a reproducible, controlled manner by closely regulating humidity, temperature, airflow, lighting, and visual tasking. Acute ocular drying conditions are optimized in the CAE by using appropriate exposure times and requiring subjects to perform a visual task such as reading or working on a computer.

Eleven participants completed a single-center, double-masked, randomized, cross-over, CAE study. Participants were current, successful contact lens wearers with histories of ocular discomfort during lens wear in windy or dry environments.

Study participants underwent a total of three 75-minute CAE exposures during a two-week period – once with no lenses, once wearing a new pair of their habitual contact lenses, and once wearing senofilcon A contact lenses. Subjects were not permitted to use rewetting drops or tear substitutes for at least 12 hours prior to visits and were not allowed to wear their contacts for at least 72 hours prior to visits.

When wearing senofilcon A contact lenses, study participants reported significantly lower subjective ocular discomfort scores during exposure to a controlled adverse environment than they did when wearing their habitual contact lenses. Participants reported better mean discomfort scores across all time points during CAE exposure while wearing senofilcon A lenses (1.62 ± 0.71 points) than they did while wearing their habitual contact lenses (2.21 ± 0.80 points, p <0.05). Senofilcon A lenses also yielded significantly better mean overall discomfort scores versus no lenses (2.73 ± 0.79 points, p<0.0001)

The study was supported by funding from Vistakon®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. Inc.

ACUVUE®, Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with all contact lenses, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information. Complete information is also available from VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., by calling 1-800-843-2020 or by visiting ecp.acuvue.com (for eye care professionals) or www.acuvue.com (for consumers).

ACUVUE® OASYS™, and VISTAKON® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

Court of Appeals Upholds Verdicts in Favor of Cordis Corporation On Patents Infringed by Medtronic, Inc. and Boston Scientific Corporation

The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. today upheld two separate 2005 jury verdicts that found Medtronic, Inc. and Boston Scientific Corporation infringed coronary stent patents owned by the Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company. Cordis now intends to ask the U.S. District Court in Delaware to reinstate the damages judgments of $271 million against Medtronic and $324 million against Boston Scientific, plus interest.

"We are very pleased that the Court of Appeals has recognized the validity of the prior verdicts," said Todd Pope, Worldwide President, Cordis Corporation. "We will urge the U.S. District Court to move expeditiously to reinstate the two previous damages judgments, along with the interest that has accrued during the appeals process."

Injunctive relief is not an issue because the infringing Medtronic and Boston Scientific stents are no longer on the market. In March of 2005, separate juries found that Medtronic's GFX and Microstent II infringed Cordis' Palmaz (762) and Schatz (984) patents, and that Boston Scientific's NIR stent infringed the Palmaz patent. The Palmaz and Schatz patents relate to the fundamental design of the first coronary stent developed and introduced by Cordis.

Both patent infringement cases were originally tried in 2000, with Cordis receiving favorable jury verdicts. After a series of procedural rulings and appeals, both cases were retried in March of 2005, with Cordis prevailing again.

Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of interventional vascular technology. Through the company's innovation, research and development, Cordis partners with interventional cardiologists worldwide to treat millions of patients who suffer from vascular disease. More information about Cordis Corporation can be found at www.cordis.com.

Submission of Marketing Authorisation Application for VELCADE (bortezomib) in Europe

Janssen-Cilag International NV, has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Evaluations Agency for the use of VELCADE® (Bortezomib) for the treatment of patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma (MM).

Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Company's co-development partner, also submitted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) with the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

The submission is based on data from the randomised, international, open-label phase III VISTA (VELCADE® as Initial Standard Therapy in multiple myeloma: Assessment with melphalan and prednisone) study, which compared VcMP with MP as a treatment for previously untreated patients. The study was conducted at 151 centres, enrolling 682 patients in 22 countries across Europe, North and South America, and Asia.

The primary endpoint was time-to-progression, with secondary endpoints including response rates, time to and duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and measures of clinical benefit such as time to next therapy. Patients on the VELCADE®-based regimen experienced a 35 percent complete response rate, defined by complete disappearance of M-protein. Furthermore, responses were durable; median duration of response for complete responders was 24 months. The median time to next therapy or treatment, a measure of clinical benefit has not been reached. This is an important benefit for patients since they have time off medication after completing treatment in contrast to other therapies. After a median of 16.3 months follow-up, a survival benefit has already been demonstrated.

This study was featured earlier this month as an oral presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 49th Annual Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common blood cancer, representing approximately one percent of all cancers and two percent of all cancer deaths.1

In 2002, there were approximately 85,700 cases of MM worldwide.2

Only 30 percent of MM patients survive longer than five years,3 with more than 18,000 people in the European Union dying each year from the disease.

About VELCADE®

Currently VELCADE® is indicated in the EU as monotherapy for use in patients with progressive MM who have received at least one prior therapy and who have already undergone or are unsuitable for bone marrow transplantation.

VELCADE® is the market leader in treating relapsed multiple myeloma with over 85,000 patients treated worldwide. VELCADE® is being co-developed by Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C. and Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Millennium is responsible for commercialisation of VELCADE® in the U.S. Millennium and Ortho Biotech Inc. currently co-promote VELCADE® in the U.S. Janssen-Cilag companies are responsible for commercialisation in Europe and the rest of the world. Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K. is responsible for commercialisation in Japan.

VELCADE®has a predictable safety profile and a favourable benefit–risk ratio. The most common side effects reported with VELCADE®include fatigue, gastrointestinal adverse events, transient thrombocytopenia and neuropathy, which is reversible in the majority of patients.

About Janssen-Cilag
The Janssen-Cilag companies have a long track record in developing and marketing treatments for central nervous system disorders, pain management, oncology, infectious diseases, reproductive health and gastrointestinal disorders. More information about Janssen-Cilag can be found at www.janssen-cilag.com.



1 www.multiplemyeloma.org.

2 GLOBOCAN 2002, www-dep.iarc.fr.

3 Brenner H. Lancet 2002; 360:1131-1135.

New Phase III Trial Results for Rivaroxaban to be Presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology

Findings from three phase III clinical trials of rivaroxaban will be presented in the plenary session and during oral presentations at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, from December 8 to 11, 2007. Rivaroxaban is being jointly developed by Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C. and Bayer HealthCare, AG.

The studies evaluated rivaroxaban in head-to-head comparison with enoxaparin, the current standard of care, for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery. The presentations will highlight results from the recently-completed RECORD1 (Regulation of Coagulation in major Orthopaedic surgery reducing the Risk of DVT and PE) and RECORD2 studies in total hip replacement surgery as well as additional data from the RECORD3 trial, which evaluated rivaroxaban in total knee replacement surgery. Copies of the following abstracts can be viewed online at the ASH website: www.hematology.org/meetings/abstracts.cfm.

Oral Rivaroxaban Compared with Subcutaneous Enoxaparin for Extended Thromboprophylaxis after Total Hip Arthroplasty: The RECORD1 Trial Abstract# 6. Plenary presentation: Sunday, Dec. 9, 3:10 p.m., Hall A1, Georgia World Congress Center
Extended Thromboprophylaxis with Rivaroxaban Compared with Short-Term Thromboprophylaxis with Enoxaparin After Total Hip Arthroplasty: The RECORD2 Trial
Abstract# 307. Oral presentation: Monday, Dec. 10, 11:00 a.m., Rooms B312-B313a

Rivaroxaban – an Oral, Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor – for Thromboprophylaxis After Total Knee Arthroplasty: The RECORD3 Trial
Abstract# 308. Oral presentation: Monday, Dec. 10, 11:15 a.m., Rooms B312-B313a

Four additional abstracts will be presented as poster presentations on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, 2007.

Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development

Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C. (J&JPRD), is part of Johnson & Johnson, the world's most broadly based producer of healthcare products. J&JPRD is headquartered in Raritan, NJ, and has facilities throughout Europe and the United States. J&JPRD is leveraging drug discovery and drug development in a variety of therapeutic areas to address unmet medical needs worldwide.

New Long-Term Data Suggest Clinical Differences in Safety and Efficacy Between CYPHER Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent and Taxus Stent

An analysis of fifteen-month data from the Western Denmark Heart Registry found that patients who received the CYPHER® Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent had a lower risk of blood clots (stent thrombosis) and were less likely to need another procedure at the same lesion site (target lesion revascularization) than patients who received a Taxus Stent. The study is being shown at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2007 meeting (TCT 2007).

The differences between the CYPHER® Stent and the Taxus Stent in terms of definite stent thrombosis, definite/probable/possible stent thrombosis and target lesion revascularization were statistically significant and favorable for the CYPHER® Stent. Patients who received the Taxus Stent were 55 percent more likely to develop definite stent thrombosis than patients who received the CYPHER® Stent [confidence interval (CI) 0.21-0.94]. Taxus Stent patients were also 49 percent more likely to develop definite/probable/possible stent thrombosis than patients who received a CYPHER® Stent (CI 0.30-0.87). In addition, the CYPHER® Stent performed considerably better than the Taxus Stent in terms of target lesion revascularization, as Taxus Stent patients were 32 percent more likely to need a repeat procedure compared with patients who received the CYPHER® Stent (CI 0.52-0.90).

"The study data show that the clinical outcomes following drug-eluting stent implantation may depend on the type of stent used to treat a patient with coronary artery disease," said Professor Leif Thuesen, MD, DMSci, from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark.

"The CYPHER® Stent continues to demonstrate excellent outcomes in clinical trials and in real-world settings," said David E. Kandzari, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I., Chief Medical Officer, Cordis Corporation. "These findings are consistent with the results of other studies recently published in peer-reviewed medical journals [i.e. Stettler et al. Lancet 2007;370:937-48, Schömig et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2007;50:1373-80, and Daemen et al. Lancet 2007;369:667-78] and build on the growing body of evidence indicating that the CYPHER® Stent and the Taxus Stent should be evaluated separately."

The Western Denmark Heart Registry is a multi-center, prospective, observational registry of all patients in western Denmark who receive coronary angiograms or coronary interventions, including percutaneous interventions and bypass surgery. This analysis evaluated patients from the registry who received a drug-eluting stent – either the CYPHER® Stent or Taxus Stent – from January 2002 through June 2005. Patients who received a combination of drug-eluting and bare metal stents (BMS) were excluded. All patients were followed for 15 months.

The primary endpoints of the study were stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction and death. No significant differences were found in the clinical outcomes of myocardial infarction or death.

Stent thrombosis was defined according to the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) definitions for thrombosis: definite, which required confirmation of a clot by angiogram at follow-up; probable, which included a heart attack in the treated vessel in patients who did not have an angiographic confirmation of a thrombosis; and possible, which included sudden unexplained death.

About the CYPHER®Stent

The CYPHER® Stent is the most studied drug-eluting stent in history and has been chosen by cardiologists worldwide to treat more than three million patients with coronary artery disease. The safety and efficacy of the device is supported by a robust clinical trial program that includes more than 70 studies that examine the performance of the CYPHER® Stent in a broad range of patients.

The CYPHER® Stent is currently available in more than 80 countries and has the broadest clinical experience and longest-term clinical follow-up of any drug-eluting stent. The next version of a sirolimus-eluting stent, the CYPHER® SELECT™ Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent, was launched in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Canada in 2003. The CYPHER® SELECT™ Plus Stent, the third version of a sirolimus-eluting coronary stent, received CE Mark in 2006 and is currently available in many markets outside the United States.

For more complete information on indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions, see the Instructions for Use available at www.cypherstent.com.

About Cordis Corporation

Cordis, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of interventional vascular technology. Through the company's innovation, research and development, Cordis partners with interventional cardiologists worldwide to treat millions of patients who suffer from vascular disease.

Organon Announces Acquisition of Kadmus Pharmaceuticals' FAAH Inhibitor Technology

N.V. Organon, the human healthcare business unit of Akzo Nobel, today announced an asset purchase of the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) technology from Kadmus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Irvine CA (USA)

Under the asset purchase agreement, Organon has acquired world-wide rights and control of all assets relating to FAAH owned or controlled by Kadmus Pharmaceuticals. These assets include KDS-4103, a phase 1-ready compound under exclusive license from the University of California at Irvine; several patent families owned by Kadmus; and the Kadmus compound library including novel second generation FAAH inhibitors. In addition, Organon has agreed to employ a majority of Kadmus staff to ensure appropriate transfer of the technology and has maintained Kadmus Pharmaceuticals’ relationship with one of the founders, Dr. Daniele Piomelli. The transaction includes an upfront payment to Kadmus and future success-based milestone payments for the lead compound and any back-up and/or follow-on compounds developed and commercialized.

David Nicholson, executive vice president Research and Development at Organon added: “We are excited to bring this technology in house which complements our cannabinoid programs. Kadmus has done a great job of advancing the technology to this point. With this acquisition Organon gains a competitive program and know-how in this novel target with potentially broad therapeutic applicability.”

“We spent several years developing this exciting FAAH inhibitor technology and recently performed a comprehensive search for the appropriate partner to take it to the next level. We are pleased to announce that Organon will continue to move the FAAH inhibitor program into clinical and commercial development. The Organon team worked diligently to ensure a successful transaction and we look forward to the continued success of the FAAH program under their business and scientific leadership”, commented Patrick Walsh, CEO of Kadmus Pharmaceuticals.

About FAAH
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a mammalian integral membrane enzyme that has been shown to catalyze the degradation of the fatty acid ethanolamide (FAE) family of endogenous signaling lipids, including the endogenous cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonist anandamide, thus terminating their effects. Inhibitors of FAAH are being developed as promising new pharmacological agents that selectively augment endogenous cannabinoid (“endocannabinoid”) activity without the side effects associated with global CB receptor activation. This class of agents shows considerable promise for treating several types of pain, anxiety, depression and other potential spin-off indications. The acquired compounds are very potent, highly selective and orally active. It is believed that these characteristics, along with a novel mechanism of action make this class of compounds an excellent opportunity in new drug development.


About Organon
Organon creates, manufactures and markets innovative prescription medicines that improve the health and quality of human life. Through a combination of innovation and business partnerships, Organon seeks to leverage its position as a leading biopharmaceutical company in each of its core therapeutic fields: fertility, gynecology and selected areas of anesthesia. It has extensive expertise in neuroscience and a rich and focused R&D program. Research areas also include immunology and specific areas of oncology. Organon products are distributed in over 100 countries worldwide, of which more than 50 have an Organon subsidiary. Organon is the human healthcare business unit of Akzo Nobel.

About Kadmus
Kadmus is a privately-held, venture-capital backed biotechnology company created to exploit opportunities in the endocannabinoid field. With the successful asset sale of its key technology, Kadmus has sub-licensed its laboratory and corporate headquarters in Irvine, CA to Organon. The Kadmus board of directors include Dr. Robert McNeil of Sanderling Ventures, Jeff Courtney of VenGrowth Venture Partners, Annette Bianchi of VantagePoint Venture Partners, Dr. Mark Cochran of NeuroVentures Fund, and CEO Patrick Walsh.

Bayer CropScience and Monsanto enter long-term business and license agreements for key enabling technologies

Bayer CropScience AG and Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON), two of the leading agro-companies worldwide, have entered into a series of long-term business and licensing agreements related to key enabling agricultural technologies. Within the framework of these agreements Bayer CropScience will grant Monsanto a royalty bearing, non-exclusive license for its LibertyLink® herbicide tolerance technology for use in corn and soybeans, the two largest field crops in terms of acreage in the United States.

The agreements provide Monsanto with an option to market corn and soybean seeds which contain both Monsanto’s Roundup Ready® and Bayer CropScience’s LibertyLink® technologies, which could provide farmers with additional weed management solutions. Monsanto and Bayer CropScience also amended certain existing agreements in the area of herbicide tolerance to provide each other more favorable terms.

In the area of insect resistance, the two companies have also entered into a royalty-bearing agreement giving Bayer CropScience rights under certain Monsanto intellectual property. In addition, the companies amended other agreements related to insect-protection technologies, including Monsanto’s existing non-exclusive, royalty-bearing license for use of Bayer CropScience’s Dual Bt technology. This enables Monsanto to commercialize products containing multiple insect resistance genes with different modes of action.

As part of the agreements, Monsanto and Bayer CropScience cross-licensed each other under their respective patent estates for RNAi technology, an important enabling technology for the development of new agricultural products.

“I am delighted that Bayer CropScience and Monsanto have joined together to offer more choice and flexibility for farmers in the use of modern technology options,” said Prof. Dr. Friedrich Berschauer, chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience. “These agreements are an important step for Bayer CropScience as they could significantly broaden the availability of our LibertyLink® technology outside our core cotton and canola seed business. This agreement could also expand the base for our Liberty® herbicide business. At the same time, the agreements enable us to facilitate the development and commercialization of new technology solutions in the future.”

“Monsanto is pleased to have reached licensing agreements with Bayer CropScience across a range of crops and technologies,” said Hugh Grant, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Monsanto. “Farmers look to technology providers like Bayer CropScience and Monsanto Company to discover and deliver needed technologies to their farms. We believe these agreements will support and advance the work of both our companies as we independently bring innovation to the farm.”

Additional details of the agreements were not disclosed.

About Bayer CropScience
Bayer CropScience AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about 17,900 and is represented in more than 120 countries. This and further news is available at: www.newsroom.bayercropscience.com

About Monsanto
Monsanto Company is a leading provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information on Monsanto, see www.monsanto.com

Cordis Corporation Resolves Corporate Warning Letter

Cordis Corporation today announced that it has received notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that all items outlined in the company's warning letter have been resolved.

"We are pleased that the FDA warning letter is now resolved," said Rick Anderson, company group chairman, Cordis Corporation. "This is an important achievement for Cordis. We are committed to ensuring that our systems and procedures continue to provide for quality products and services that fulfill the clinical needs of interventional cardiologists."

About Cordis Corporation

Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of interventional vascular technology. Through the company's innovation, research and development, Cordis partners with interventional cardiologists worldwide to treat millions of patients who suffer from vascular disease.

More information about Cordis Corporation can be found at www.cordis.com

GlaxoSmithKline and Adolor update alvimopan (Entereg/Entrareg®) development programme

GlaxoSmithKline and Adolor Corporation today provided an update on the alvimopan (Entereg/Entrareg®) development programme.


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested that additional data be submitted as part of the complete response to the November 6, 2006approvable letter for alvimopan in postoperative ileus (POI). These additional data includethe final results of Study 101684, an extension of the Phase 2b Study 008 of alvimopan in cancer pain patients with opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD), further analysis of results from Study 014 and the final study reports from the two-year carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice, which were conducted to support the OBD indication. The FDA also requested safety data from Adolor’s co-administered study of alvimopan (alvimopan/hydrocodone/APAP), Study 228, as part of the complete response. Adolor has discontinued Study 228 to enable final data collection and analysis.


The FDA has placed the alvimopan Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs) on clinical hold pending submission and analysis of the requested information and notification by the FDA that clinical studies with alvimopan may resume. GSK and Adolor currently have no studies ongoing with alvimopan.


“We are working closely with GSK to complete analyses of these studies and satisfy all requests for data for our complete response,” said Michael R. Dougherty, president and chief executive officer of Adolor. “We now expect that this submission will occur in the third quarter of 2007.”


GSK anticipates providing an update on the development plan for alvimopan in OBD in the third quarter of 2007.

About GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For more information, visit GlaxoSmithKline on the World Wide Web at www.gsk.com


About Adolor Corporation

Adolor Corporation (Nasdaq:ADLR) is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel prescription pain management products. Entereg® (alvimopan) is Adolor's lead product candidate under development for the management of the gastrointestinal side effects associated with opioid use. Adolor and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) are collaborating in the worldwide development and commercialization of Entereg® in multiple indications. Adolor also has a number of discovery research programmes focused on the identification of novel compounds for the treatment of pain. By applying its knowledge and expertise in pain management, along with ingenuity, Adolor is seeking to make a positive difference for patients, caregivers and the medical community. For more information, visit www.adolor.com

Bayer supports the WHO in its fight against Chagas disease

Bayer HealthCare AG supports the World Health Organization (WHO) in its fight against Chagas disease. A new agreement for the provision of 2.5 million tablets of Lampit® (active ingredient: nifurtimox) and additional funding has now been signed. This agreement will ensure the supply of Lampit® for the next five years.

This is the third agreement between Bayer HealthCare AG and the WHO to improve the provision of this effective drug for Chagas patients in Latin America – irrespective of the financial situation of the persons concerned.

Chagas disease is a parasitic infection that is widespread in many countries of Central and South America. The pathogen is transmitted by blood-sucking insects, blood transfusions with infected blood – or even during pregnancy if the mother is suffering from the disease. Between 16 and 18 million people are currently infected and another 120 million are at risk to suffer from this fatal disease.

"We are pleased to be a reliable partner supporting the WHO in its fight against this serious and widespread disease in the long term," said Arthur J. Higgins, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Bayer HealthCare AG and Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer Schering Pharma AG. "As a leading specialty pharmaceuticals company, we feel obliged to address areas of unmet medical need and neglected diseases."

Dr. Jean Jannin, Coordinator of Communicable Disease Control, Prevention and Eradication at the WHO, emphasized: "The partnership with Bayer HealthCare will support the WHO in its commitment to combat Chagas disease. We are doing everything in our power to eliminate this disease, which represents a public health problem, by the year 2010."

Bayer HealthCare
Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. The pharmaceuticals business operates under the name Bayer Schering Pharma and as Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals in the US and Canada. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide.

Bayer Schering Pharma
Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following areas: Diagnostic Imaging, Hematology/Cardiology, Oncology, Primary Care, Specialized Therapeutics and Women's Healthcare. With innovative products, Bayer Schering Pharma aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life.

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Files For FDA Approval Of New Gastric Band For Treatment Of Morbid Obesity

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, today announced that it has submitted a Premarket Approval (PMA) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its adjustable gastric band, an implantable device intended to treat morbid obesity.

The company's submission includes results from a prospective multi-center clinical trial of 276 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (100 pounds or more above ideal body weight) or a BMI of 35 or more, with one or more obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. The primary endpoint for the study was percent of excess weight loss at three years. Patients with these BMI are classified as morbidly obese.

The clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the device, which has been commercially available outside the U.S. since 1996 and has been implanted in over 100,000 patients worldwide. The device is a soft, adjustable band that is fitted around the uppermost part of the stomach during laparoscopic surgery, creating a small pouch and restricting food consumption.

"The submission of this application to the FDA is an important milestone as we seek to provide the bariatric community more treatment options and solutions for morbid obesity, a life-threatening disease that continues to grow throughout the world," said Kenneth Sumner, Ph.D., vice president, Worldwide Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS), about 15 million people in the U.S. have morbid obesity, and in 2006, about 177,000 people had some type of bariatric surgery.

About Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., develops and markets advanced medical devices for minimally invasive and open surgical procedures. The company focuses on procedure-enabling devices for the interventional diagnosis and treatment of conditions in general and bariatric surgery, as well as gastrointestinal health, gynecology and surgical oncology. More information on the company can be found at www.ethiconendo.com.

Voluntary Drug Recall -- Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., Issues A Nationwide Recall Of GRIFULVIN V/Griseofulvin Oral Suspension

Glass bottles of griseofulvin oral suspension (liquid) [GRIFULVIN V®], microsize 125 mg/5mL, a prescription medicine used to treat ringworm and other fungal infections, are being voluntarily recalled as a precaution from wholesalers and retail pharmacies nationwide. The voluntary recall is a precaution based on two reports of glass fragments found in bottles of the liquid formulation. Consumers who believe they are in possession of recalled product should contact the pharmacy where the medicine was purchased.

The voluntary recall is being conducted by Ortho Dermatological, Division of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., manufacturer of GRIFULVIN V® and griseofulvin oral suspension, which has a Patriot Pharmaceuticals, L.L.C., label. This voluntary recall is limited to the liquid formulation of the medication and does not include any other dosage form.

The two reports of glass fragments are believed to be the result of bottle breakage during shipping and handling. A plastic over-wrap placed on bottles of this medicine for protection might have made it difficult to detect breakage that occurred during shipping and handling, and action is being taken to change the over-wrap to prevent this possible occurrence in the future. In the unlikely event that a damaged bottle has been dispensed, a potential exists for injury due to accidental ingestion of glass fragments. There have been no reports of adverse events from the reported glass fragments in broken bottles.

The lots were shipped to distributors in the United States only between August 23, 2005, and March 14, 2007. Lot numbers are listed at the end of this press advisory and posted on www.aboutgrifulvin.com. Lot numbers can be found on the back of the product label only on four-ounce (120 mL) glass bottles filled by the manufacturer. Consumers with pharmacy-dispensed bottles, which were filled at the pharmacy and do not contain lot numbers, should contact the pharmacy where they purchased the medicine to determine if they are in possession of product that has been recalled.

In addition to contacting the pharmacy where the medicine was purchased, consumers who believe they are in possession of recalled bottles of GRIFULVIN V® griseofulvin oral suspension (liquid) may also call 1-800-426-7762. Consumers who believe they are in possession of affected product from Patriot Pharmaceuticals, LLC, griseofulvin oral suspension (liquid), may call 1-800-510-0383. Consumers should direct medical questions to their health care providers. Adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product should be reported to the company using the telephone numbers above.

The company is voluntarily conducting this recall in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and sending urgent recall letters to wholesalers and pharmacies nationwide. In addition, the company is taking action to supply new inventory to its customers.

Griseofulvin Oral Suspension (microsize) 125 mg/5ml
(PATRIOT Pharmaceuticals, L.L.C.)
Lot No. Expiry Date
5LA410 03/31/2007
6BA565 03/31/2008
6KA031 10/31/2008
5LA411 03/31/2007
6BA566 03/31/2008
6KA032 10/31/2008
5LA412 03/31/2007
6CA593 03/31/2008
6KA033 10/31/2008
5LA413 03/31/2007
6CA594 03/31/2008
6KA034 10/31/2008
5LA414 03/31/2007
6CA595 04/30/2008
6KA035 10/31/2008
5LA415 03/31/2007
6CA596 04/30/2008
6KA036 10/31/2008
5LA416 03/31/2007
6CA597 04/30/2008
6KA990 09/30/2008
5LA417 03/31/2007
6DA622 04/30/2008
6KA991 09/30/2008
5LA418 03/31/2007
6DA623 05/31/2008
6LA109 10/31/2008
5NA469 03/31/2007
6DA624 05/31/2008
6LA110 10/31/2008
5NA470 03/31/2007
6DA625 05/31/2008
6LA111 10/31/2008
5NA471 03/31/2007
6DA626 06/30/2008
6LA112 11/30/2008
6AA494 01/31/2008
6GA725 07/31/2008
6LA113 11/30/2008
6AA495 01/31/2008
6GA726 07/31/2008
6LA114 11/30/2008
6AA496 01/31/2008
6GA727 07/31/2008
6LA128 11/30/2008
6AA497 01/31/2008
6GA728 07/31/2008
6LA130 11/30/2008
6AA505 01/31/2008
6GA729 07/31/2008
6MA173 11/30/2008
6AA506 01/31/2008
6HA839 07/31/2008
6HA840 07/31/2008
6MA175 11/30/2008
6AA508 01/31/2008
6HA841 08/31/2008
6MA176 11/30/2008
6AA509 01/31/2008
6HA842 08/31/2008
6MA194 11/30/2008
6AA516 01/31/2008
6HA843 08/31/2008
6MA231 11/30/2008
6AA517 01/31/2008
6HA844 08/31/2008
6MA232 11/30/2008
6AA518 02/29/2008
6HA845 08/31/2008
6MA233 12/31/2008
6AA519 02/29/2008
6HA847 08/31/2008
6MA234 12/31/2008
6AA520 02/29/2008
6HA848 08/31/2008
6MA235 12/31/2008
6AA521 02/29/2008
6HA849 08/31/2008
6MA236 12/31/2008
6AA532 02/29/2008
6HA850 08/31/2008
6MA238 12/31/2008
6AA533 02/29/2008
6HA867 09/30/2008
6MA239 12/31/2008
6AA534 02/29/2008
6HA870 09/30/2008
6MA240 12/31/2008
6AA535 02/29/2008
6HA871 09/30/2008
6MA241 12/31/2008
6AA536 02/29/2008
6HA872 09/30/2008
6MA242 01/31/2009
6BA561 03/31/2008
6HA875 09/30/2008
6MA246 01/31/2009
6BA562 03/31/2008
6KA028 09/30/2008
6MA247 01/31/2009
6BA563 02/29/2008
6KA029 10/31/2008
6BA564 03/31/2008
6KA030 10/31/2008



GRIFULVIN V® brand (griseofulvin oral suspension) microsize Suspension 125mg/5ml
Lot No. Expiry Date
5CA136 03/31/2007
5CA138 03/31/2007
5CA139 03/31/2007
5CA143 03/31/2007
5CA144 03/31/2007
5CA145 03/31/2007
5CA146 03/31/2007
5CA147 03/31/2007
5CA148 03/31/2007
5CA149 03/31/2007
5CA150 03/31/2007
5CA151 03/31/2007
5CA164 03/31/2007
5CA165 04/30/2007
6CA616 03/31/2008
6DA636 04/30/2008
6DA637 04/30/2008
6DA638 04/30/2008
6DA640 04/30/2008
6DA646 04/30/2008
6DA647 04/30/2008
6DA648 04/30/2008
6DA649 04/30/2008
6DA657 04/30/2008
6EA670 05/31/2008
6GA731 07/31/2008
6HA846 07/31/2008
6HA851 08/31/2008
6HA868 07/31/2008
6HA873 09/30/2008
6HA874 08/31/2008
6JA936 09/30/2008
6JA937 09/30/2008
6KA987 09/30/2008
6KA988 09/30/2008
6KA989 09/30/2008
6MA193 11/30/2008

Inhibitex Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire FermaVir Pharmaceuticals

Inhibitex, Inc. (NASDAQ: INHX) announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with FermaVir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB: FMVR). FermaVir's development-stage antiviral pipeline includes FV-100, a highly potent nucleoside analogue for the treatment of herpes zoster infections ("shingles") that is expected to enter Phase I clinical trials in the third quarter of 2007, and a series of preclinical compounds for the treatment of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease.

Under the terms of the agreement, each of the 20.8 million outstanding shares of FermaVir common stock will be exchanged for 0.55 shares of Inhibitex common stock. Immediately following the transaction, Inhibitex shareholders are expected to own approximately 73 percent of the combined company. Inhibitex will also assume up to 13.9 million of outstanding FermaVir options and warrants at the same exchange ratio. Completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of Inhibitex and FermaVir shareholders, required regulatory approvals and certain other conditions as set forth in the definitive agreement. The transaction is expected to close by the end of July 2007.

FermaVir's antiviral compounds were discovered in the laboratories of Drs. Erik de Clercq and Jan Balzarini of the Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit, Belgium, and Chris McGuigan of Cardiff University, Wales. Drs. de Clercq and Balzarini have co-invented multiple approved antivirals, including tenofovir, one of the most widely-used nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) for the treatment of HIV AIDS.

"The acquisition of FermaVir brings us two very exciting antiviral development programs and world-class antiviral drug discovery expertise that builds on our extensive anti-infective drug development capabilities," stated Russell H. Plumb, president and chief executive officer of Inhibitex. "This transaction also represents an important step in our strategic shift to focus our resources on the development of high-value antiviral compounds. Consistent with this strategy, we are actively engaged in ongoing discussions to obtain additional development programs that will complement our emerging antiviral pipeline."

Published in vitro studies demonstrate that FV-100, a prodrug of CF-1743, is the most potent antiviral compound developed to date for the treatment of shingles. Further, based on its exceptional ability to rapidly enter cells and quickly inhibit viral replication, FV-100 has the potential to further reduce all shingles-related symptoms, including the incidence and the severity of acute pain and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful condition caused by damage to the nervous system. Preclinical data also suggest that FV-100 may have a favorable dosing and safety profile as compared to other currently-available antiviral therapeutics used to treat shingles.

The FermaVir CMV antiviral program includes nucleoside analogues, as well as series of non-nucleoside analogues, which appear to have a unique mechanism of action and have been shown, in vitro, to possess potent antiviral activity and a favorable cellular toxicity profile. Inhibitex anticipates that a lead clinical candidate will be nominated from this program by the end of 2007.

"Based on their encouraging profiles, we believe FV-100 and FermaVir's CMV compounds represent potential antiviral therapeutics where there is an attractive opportunity to address unmet medical needs," stated Mr. Plumb. "There are over 2.5 million cases of shingles each year and approximately 20 percent of these patients experience debilitating long-term pain. With respect to CMV, current antiviral therapy is limited due to safety and toxicity concerns, such that many immunocompromised patients, who are highly susceptible to these infections, cannot fully benefit from existing therapies."

In connection with this transaction, Geoffrey Henson, Ph.D., chief executive officer of FermaVir, will join Inhibitex as vice president of drug development. Gabrielle Cerrone, director and chairman of FermaVir, and Chris McGuigan, Ph.D., also a current director of FermaVir, are expected to become members of the Inhibitex Board of Directors on closing of the transaction. In addition, Richard J. Whitley, M.D. and Erik De Clercq, M.D., Ph.D., current directors of FermaVir, are expected to join the Inhibitex Scientific Advisory Board upon the completion of the transaction.

"We are delighted to unite forces with the Inhibitex team to advance our pipeline of promising antiviral compounds," stated Geoffrey Henson, Ph.D., chief executive officer of FermaVir. "We believe that Inhibitex's anti-infective development capabilities and experience, along with its operating infrastructure and resources, can enhance and accelerate the development of FV-100 and our CMV program."

Lazard is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Inhibitex; Dechert LLP is acting as legal counsel to Inhibitex in this transaction.

Conference Call Information

Russell H. Plumb, president and chief executive officer, and other members of Inhibitex's senior management team will discuss the transaction in a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To access the conference call, please dial 800-638-5439 (domestic) or 617-614-3945 (international) five minutes prior to the start time, and provide the access code 91534160. A replay of the call will be available from 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on April 10, 2007 until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 10, 2007. To access the replay, please dial 888-286-8010 (domestic) or 617-801-6888 (international), and provide the access code 84226452. A live audio webcast of the call can also be accessed from the Investors section of the Company's website, at http://www.inhibitex.com. An archived webcast of the call will be made available on the Inhibitex website approximately two hours after the event for a period of thirty (30) days.

Herpes Zoster Overview

Herpes zoster, also known as "shingles," results from the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox, and is usually manifested in an often-painful outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin. Individuals who are immunocompromised are more likely to develop shingles. There are an estimated 2.5 million cases of shingles in the United States, Europe and Japan each year, and approximately 20 percent of these patients will subsequently develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is a result of nerve damage caused by shingles and can result in long-term debilitating pain. In addition to advanced age, other factors that increase the likelihood of PHN include the severity of rash and the associated acute pain.

CMV Overview

Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a member of the herpes virus group, which includes the viruses that cause chicken pox, mononucleosis and herpes simplexes 1 and 2. Like other herpes viruses, CMV has the ability to remain dormant in the human body for extended periods of time. By the age of 40, it is estimated that between 50 percent and 85 percent of adults in the U.S. will carry CMV. In most individuals CMV causes little to no apparent illness. However, in immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV patients, those undergoing chemotherapy, or the more than 70,000 patients that undergo stem cell or solid organ transplant procedures worldwide each year, CMV is highly prevalent and can lead to severe conditions such as pneumonitis or hepatitis, or to complications such as acute or chronic rejection of a transplanted organ, and even death.

About Inhibitex

Inhibitex, Inc., headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of products that can treat, prevent or diagnose serious infections. In addition to its strategy of building a pipeline of antiviral products through in-licensing or acquisition, the Company has several collaborations based upon its proprietary MSCRAMM(R) protein platform, including those with Wyeth for the development of staphylococcal vaccines, with 3M for the development of diagnostics products, and with Dyax for the development of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of enterococcal infections. For additional information about the Company, please visit www.inhibitex.com

Cordis Corporation Starts Pivotal Trial for ExoSeal Vascular Closure Device

Cordis Corporation, a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing interventional vascular technology, announced today the start of the pivotal trial for the ExoSeal™ Vascular Closure Device. The ECLIPSE Trial is a multicenter, non-blinded, randomized study designed to measure the safety and efficacy of the ExoSeal™ Vascular Closure Device versus manual compression to close vascular access sites in patients having undergone diagnostic or interventional procedures. The trial will encompass 400 patients from 18 medical centers across the United States.

On February 13, Principal Investigator Chiu Wong, M.D., associate professor of Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and a Cordis Corporation consultant, treated the first patient in the trial. Prior to the start of the ECLIPSE Trial, the ExoSeal™ Vascular Closure Device had been used in 150 patients participating in a first-in-human study for the device.

"The results from the first-in-man study were very encouraging, and this trial will help us determine whether those results can be maintained in a larger number of patients," said Dr. Wong. "As an interventional cardiologist, I welcome the opportunity to investigate a device that could help patients recover faster from a catheterization procedure."

The ExoSeal™ Vascular Closure Device features a synthetic bioabsorbable polymer and is being studied to determine whether it can enable expedited hemostasis (the cessation of bleeding), faster patient ambulation (ability to walk) and reduced bed-stay after a catheterization procedure. It also represents Cordis Corporation’s entry into the vascular closure device market. Nearly eight million patients undergo cardiac catheterization procedures annually.

"The swift progress of the ExoSeal™ Vascular Closure Device from the proof-of-concept stage to a pivotal trial in only seven months marks a major milestone in Cordis Corporation's efforts to accelerate the development of new devices to improve the treatment of vascular diseases," said Campbell Rogers, M.D., chief technology officer, Cordis Corporation. "The ECLIPSE Trial will help us evaluate whether the ExoSeal™ Vascular Closure Device could make a significant and positive difference in patients' comfort as well as recovery time following a catheterization procedure."

Catheterization procedures involve the temporary insertion of a catheter into an artery, usually the femoral artery, through a vascular puncture. While a variety of methods, such as manual compression, sandbags and mechanical clamps have been used to close the puncture site and stop the bleeding after the catheter is removed, many of these methods cause significant discomfort and require several hours of bed-rest.

About Cordis Corporation

Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing interventional vascular technology. Through the company's innovation, research and development, physicians worldwide are better able to treat the millions of patients who suffer from vascular disease. For more information, visit www.cordis.com

CYPHER Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Demonstrates Sustained Benefits Compared To Bare-Metal Stents In Five-Year Randomized Clinical Trial

Clinical investigators at the American College of Cardiology's 56th Annual Scientific Session (ACC.07) reported today that the clinical benefit of the CYPHER® Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent compared to a bare-metal stent (BMS) in the SIRIUS Trial was preserved from the initial nine-month follow-up out to five years. In addition, no differences were observed between the CYPHER® Stent and the BMS in the safety measures of myocardial infarction (heart attack), death or stent thrombosis (blood clots).

At five-year follow-up, patients in the CYPHER® Stent arm experienced significantly lower rates of target vessel failure (TVF), the primary endpoint of the trial, than those who received the BMS (22.5 percent for the CYPHER® Stent versus 34.7 percent for the BMS; p<0.0001). In the trial, TVF was defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization (TVR, or re-treatment of the blocked vessel).

"Our findings reinforce the existing body of evidence supporting the long-term benefits of the CYPHER® Stent as an effective treatment for coronary artery disease," said Co-principal Investigator Martin B. Leon, M.D., Chairman Emeritus, Cardiovascular Research Foundation and Associate Director, Center for Interventional Vascular Therapy, Columbia University Medical Center. "The CYPHER® Stent has provided significant benefits for many patients since we initiated the SIRIUS Trial."

In this long-term follow-up, the CYPHER® Stent also demonstrated lower rates of target lesion revascularization (TLR, or re-treatment at the same arterial site) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which include myocardial infarction and death, compared to the BMS. The TLR rate for the CYPHER® Stent was 9.4 percent versus 24.2 percent for the BMS (p<0.0001), and the MACE rate for the CYPHER® Stent was 20.3 percent versus 33.5 percent for the BMS (p<0.0001). These five-year outcomes support the previously reported results of the trial.

There was no significant difference in the overall rate of stent thrombosis between the CYPHER® Stent and the BMS, regardless of the definition of stent thrombosis employed. The definitions include the original SIRIUS Trial protocol definition and the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) definition. At 5 years, the protocol definition identified a rate of 1.0 percent stent thrombosis for the CYPHER® Stent versus 0.8 percent for the BMS (p=0.75). The definite/probable ARC definition identified a stent thrombosis rate of 1.2 percent for the CYPHER® Stent versus 1.8 percent for the BMS (p=0.43). While the data demonstrated slight numeric differences in the timing of such events between the CYPHER® Stent and the BMS, at no point throughout the five-year period were the differences statistically significant.

In addition, there was no significant difference in the mortality or the myocardial infarction rates between the CYPHER® Stent and the BMS at five-year follow-up. The mortality rate was 8.4 percent for both stents, while the myocardial infarction rate for the CYPHER® Stent was 6.2 percent, compared to 6.5 percent for the BMS (p=0.90).

"The data presented throughout ACC.07 reinforce the importance of evidence-based medical decisions," said David E. Kandzari, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I., Chief Medical Officer, Cordis Cardiology Division of Cordis Corporation. "As previously announced, Cordis is expanding the SIRIUS Trial to eight years of follow-up to provide physicians with longer term data about the CYPHER® Stent that will assist them in making informed treatment decisions."

The SIRIUS (Sirolimus-coated BX VELOCITY® Balloon-Expandable Stent in Treatment of Patients with De Novo Coronary Artery Lesions) Trial, sponsored by Cordis Corporation, served as a pivotal study for the U.S. approval of the CYPHER® Stent in 2003 and is the longest running U.S.-based study for a drug-eluting stent.In the double-blinded, multi-center randomized trial, patients were divided into two treatment groups: 533 patients received the CYPHER® Stent and 525 patients received a BMS. Of the original 1,058 participants, 93.8 percent of patients (501 patients receiving the CYPHER® Stent and 491 patients receiving a BMS) participated in the five-year follow up.

About the CYPHER® Stent

The CYPHER® Stent has been chosen by cardiologists worldwide to treat approximately three million patients with coronary artery disease. The safety and efficacy of the device is supported by a robust clinical trial program that includes more than 70 studies that examine the performance of the CYPHER® Stent in a broad range of patients.

Developed and manufactured by Cordis Corporation, the CYPHER® Stent is currently available in more than 80 countries and has the broadest clinical experience and longest-term clinical follow-up of any drug-eluting stent. The next version of sirolimus-eluting stent, the CYPHER® SELECT™ Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent, was launched in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Canada in 2003. The CYPHER® SELECT® Plus Stent, the third version of a sirolimus-eluting coronary stent, received CE Mark in 2006 and is currently available in many markets outside the United States.

For more complete information on indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions, see the Instructions for Use available at www.cypherstent.com

About Cordis Corporation

Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of interventional vascular technology. Through the company's innovation, research and development, Cordis partners with interventional cardiologists worldwide to treat millions of patients who suffer from vascular disease. More information about Cordis Corporation can be found at www.cordis.com

*Cordis Corporation has entered into an exclusive worldwide license with Wyeth for the localized delivery of sirolimus in certain fields of use, including delivery via vascular stenting. Sirolimus, the active drug released for the stent, is marketed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, under the name Rapamune®. Rapamune is a trademark of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

March Of Dimes, Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., Launch Prematurity Prevention Partnership

To reduce the rate of preventable preterm births in targeted areas of Kentucky, the March of Dimes and Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., today formally launched Healthy Babies Are Worth the Waitsm, a three-year partnership with the Kentucky Department for Public Health. The announcement was made at a news conference prior to the opening of the Kentucky Public Health Association's annual meeting here.

Six Kentucky hospitals representing diverse geographic regions are participating in Healthy Babies Are Worth the Waitsm and are divided into "intervention" and "comparison" sites.

The three intervention sites – King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland; Trover Clinic/ Regional Medical Center in Hopkins County; and University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington – will employ an innovative model combining interventions that are diverse, linked elements of clinical care, public health and public education. These include consumer awareness and education; access to screenings and referrals for treatable or preventable conditions; consistent clinical care during the prenatal period and appropriate care between pregnancies; and professional education. The primary goal of Healthy Babies Are Worth the Waitsm is a 15 percent reduction in the rate of singleton (one baby) preterm births in these targeted areas.

Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset, Norton Hospital (Downtown) in Louisville, and Paducah's Western Baptist Hospital will serve as comparison sites, providing traditional high quality perinatal services and care.

Preterm birth (defined as birth before 37 completed weeks' gestation) is the leading cause of infant death in the U.S. and puts babies at great risk for lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, blindness and physical and neurological impairment.

Just a few extra days in the womb can make a difference, the organizations said today at the news conference. Even babies considered "late preterm," those born between 34 and 36 weeks, are more likely than full-term infants to experience acute problems after birth, be re-hospitalized, or die within the first year of life.

Nationally, rates of preterm birth have increased more than 30 percent since 1981 and today more than 520,000 babies are born too soon each year; 400,000 of these (or about 80 percent) are late preterm births. In Kentucky, more than 14 percent of births in 2005 were delivered preterm – one of the highest rates in the nation (the U.S. rate is 12.7 percent).

"Preventing preterm birth not only saves babies' lives and improves the future for them and their families, it can lessen the long-term toll such births take on our communities," said Ruth Ann Shepherd, M.D., FAAP, director, Adult & Child Health Improvement, Kentucky Department for Public Health. "We hope that Kentucky's experience with Healthy Babies Are Worth the Waitsm will one day help other states protect their most vulnerable populations so that together we can permanently reverse this trend."

Coordinated Efforts in Public and Professional Education

Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait sm takes a "bundled" approach to reducing the known risk factors for preterm birth during prenatal care and between pregnancies.

Education at multiple community levels, via myriad channels, will be critical to the partnership's ongoing efforts. To augment the relationships between expectant mothers and their health care providers, the local health departments serving intervention sites will be integral in reaching community members with information about the known risk factors for, and ways to prevent, preterm birth. Further, a tool kit will be available at www.prematurityprevention.org for use by community leaders ranging from social or civic organizations to houses of worship. Finally, ongoing professional education will be available for health care providers at intervention sites.

"Our experience has shown that resolving a public health issue as serious as preterm birth requires commitments from a community's individuals, influential groups and the public and private sectors," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "We hope that Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait sm inspires others to do all they can to make sure the babies in their families and communities are born full term if there are no medical problems for either mother or baby."

On-site planning and baseline data collection occurred at all three intervention sites during January and February of this year; implementation began in March and will continue through June 2009. Follow up and evaluation will continue through December 2009; interim reports on results will be made available. Successful outcomes from this model in reducing the rate of preventable singleton preterm births could be replicated in other regions of the country.

"Parents are often unaware about the serious consequences of preterm birth because medical technology is saving babies who once would not have survived. However, babies born even just a few weeks early who physically appear healthy are at risk," said Bonnie J. Petrauskas, a director of the Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C. "Healthy Babies Are Worth the Waitsm will bring together parents, providers and communities in an environment that fosters understanding of preterm birth and what can be done to help babies get a healthy start in life."

About the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at www.nacersano.org

About the Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C.

The Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., is an education-based entity within Johnson & Johnson Corporate Contributions, which has a mission to make life-changing, long-term differences in human health by targeting, through community engagement, the world's major health-related issues. Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., partnerships focus on safe, healthy pregnancies and deliveries, and improved care for babies who might otherwise succumb to preventable conditions.

About the Kentucky Department for Public Health

The Department for Public Health is a part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Through its expansive services, Department for Public Health reaches thousands of Kentuckians each year by developing and operating all public health programs and activities for the citizens of Kentucky. These health service programs are aimed at prevention, detection, care and treatment of physical disabilities, illness and disease. More information about DPH can be found at www.chfs.ky.gov/dph

ACUVUE Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of First Disposable Contact Lens With Launch Of New 1•DAY ACUVUE MOIST

Twenty years after revolutionizing the contact lens industry with the introduction of the first disposable soft contact lens, VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., today announced the U.S. launch of 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™ Brand Contact Lenses with breakthrough LACREON™ technology.

LACREON™ technology employs a unique process that permanently embeds a water holding ingredient, similar to that found in natural tears, into the proven etafilcon A material of the 1•DAY ACUVUE® Brand. This technological advancement locks in moisture that lasts throughout the day, offering relief for the most frequently reported complaints of contact lens discomfort – dryness and end of day comfort. The new daily disposable lenses also eliminate the need for cleaning, disinfecting solutions and storage, and, compared to two-week lenses, may provide improved comfort for patients who experience mild discomfort and itching associated with allergies during contact lens wear.

"Two decades ago, with the introduction of ACUVUE®, it was immediately clear that a new, clean lens every week or every two weeks was a healthier paradigm," says Cristina Schnider, O.D., director, Medical Affairs, Vistakon. "Today, many eye care practitioners and consumers favor daily disposable contacts because of their health and convenience benefits."

Demonstrated Benefits for Eye Allergy Sufferers

Approximately two million allergy sufferers have eye allergies as their primary allergy, according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. For many of the nation's 38 million contact lens wearers, allergy season can bring tears, and more, to their eyes.

"Allergy sufferers who wear contact lenses that you use for two weeks or more may experience discomfort and symptoms such as ocular itching, tearing and redness when wearing their lenses, because allergens may build up on the lenses over time," explains Leonard Bielory, M.D., professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Ophthalmology, director, Division of Allergy/Immunology & Rheumatology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. "When worn on a daily disposable basis, 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™ may provide improved comfort for many patients who experience mild discomfort and itching associated with allergies during contact lens wear, compared to lenses replaced at intervals of greater than two weeks."

Lenses Also Offer UV Protection

All ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses offer effective UV-blocking. 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™ block approximately 82 percent of UV-A radiation and 97 percent of UV-B radiation† *. On average, contact lenses without UV blocking block approximately 10 percent of UV-A radiation and 30 percent of UV-B radiation.

Although UV-blocking contact lenses provide important added protection for patients, they should not be viewed as a stand-alone solution. "For more complete protection, UV-blocking contact lenses should always be worn in conjunction with high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat," says Dr.Schnider.

To receive a free trial pair certificate for 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™ visit www.acuvue.com (Professional exam fees not included) and look for "Click-to-be-Contacted," a new online service that offers patients a quick, easy way to schedule an eye exam for contact lenses.

1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™ is available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for individual patients. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop. To help avoid these problems, patients should follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens-care instructions provided by their eye doctor. Individuals should not wear lenses if they have an eye infection or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, they should contact their eye doctor immediately.

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.

The VISTAKON division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., specializes in disposable contact lenses which it markets under such brand names as ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® ADVANCE™ with HYDRACLEAR™, ACUVUE® ADVANCE™ for ASTIGMATISM, ACUVUE® OASYS™ with HYDRACLEAR™ PLUS, ACUVUE® and ACUVUE® 2; 1•DAYACUVUE®; 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™; ACUVUE® BIFOCAL; ACUVUE® TORIC, and ACUVUE® 2 COLOURS™.

ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® ADVANCE™, HYDRACLEAR™, ACUVUE® OASYS™, ACUVUE® 2 COLOURS™, 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™, LACREON™ and VISTAKON® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

† Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.

* WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-Blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-Blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.

U.S. District Court Grants Permanent Injunction Prohibiting Mylan From Marketing Generic Version Of TOPAMAX (topiramate)

A U.S. District Court has upheld the validity and enforceability of the TOPAMAX® (topiramate) patent, and today issued a permanent injunction against Mylan Laboratories, Inc. The injunction prohibits Mylan from selling generic topiramate tablets and capsules in the U.S. until the Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc., compound patent on TOPAMAX® expires in 2008.

Mylan filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application ("ANDA") to market topiramate before the expiration of the patent, claiming the patent was invalid. Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc., filed a patent infringement complaint against Mylan in April 2004. A preliminary injunction against Mylan was granted on October 23, 2006.

The final ruling, issued by U.S. District Court Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark, NJ, directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to change the effective date of Mylan's approvals to market its generic topiramate products to no earlier than September 26, 2008, the date of the TOPAMAX® compound patent expiration. Cobalt Pharmaceuticals, which Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc., sued in October 2005, agreed to be bound by the outcome of the Mylan case.

TOPAMAX® is indicated as monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy or for conversion to monotherapy in patients with epilepsy. It is also indicated as adjunctive therapy for adults and children (aged two and above) with partial onset seizures or generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and in adults and children as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox Gastaut syndrome. TOPAMAX® is indicated in adults for the prophylaxis of migraine headache. The usefulness in the acute treatment of migraine headache has not been studied.

Headquartered in Titusville, NJ, Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc., focuses exclusively on providing solutions that improve neurological health. The company currently markets products for Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and acute and preventative migraine treatment. Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc., in conjunction with internal and external research partners, continues to explore new opportunities to develop solutions for unmet healthcare needs in neurology.

TOPAMAX® Important Safety Information for Epilepsy

Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX® include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis), and hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing) or fatigue. More severe symptoms of metabolic acidosis could include irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests to measure bicarbonate levels.

Other serious risks include increased eye pressure (glaucoma), decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion and difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor immediately if you have blurred vision or eye pain.

More common side effects in adults are nervousness, coordination problems, fatigue, speech problems, slowed thinking, memory difficulty, tingling in arms and legs and double vision; and in children, fatigue, loss of appetite, nervousness, memory difficulty, aggressive behavior and weight loss.

As monotherapy, the most common side effects of TOPAMAX® (in the 400 mg/day group and at a rate higher than the 50 mg/day group) in adults were tingling in arms and legs, weight decrease, sleepiness, loss of appetite, dizziness and difficulty with memory; and in children, weight decrease, upper respiratory tract infection, tingling in arms and legs, loss of appetite, diarrhea and mood problems.

In combination with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), the most common side effects of TOPAMAX® in adults (200 to 400 mg/day) were sleepiness, dizziness, nervousness, loss of muscle coordination, fatigue, speech disorders and related problems, psychomotor slowing, abnormal vision, difficulty with memory, tingling in arms and legs and double vision; and in children (5 to 9 mg/kg/day), fatigue, sleepiness, loss of appetite, nervousness, difficulty with concentration/attention, difficulty with memory, aggressive reaction and weight decrease.

Tell your doctor about other medications you take.

Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information at www.TOPAMAX-epilepsy.com

TOPAMAX® Important Safety Information for Migraine

Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX® include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis), and hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing) or fatigue. More severe symptoms of metabolic acidosis could include irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests to measure bicarbonate levels.

Other serious risks include increased eye pressure (glaucoma), decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion and difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor immediately if you have blurred vision or eye pain.

More common side effects are tingling in arms and legs, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, taste change and weight loss.

Tell your doctor about other medications you take.

Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information at www.TOPAMAX.com or call 1-888-526-7736.

SCOLR Pharma Says Wyeth Will Terminate Ibuprofen License

SCOLR Pharma announced that it has been notified by Wyeth Consumer Healthcare that Wyeth is terminating its license to use SCOLR's technology in products containing ibuprofen.

SCOLR Pharma said it planned to continue the development of a 12-hour extended release ibuprofen product and would either seek to work with another large pharmaceutical company or develop the data needed to file an application with the Food and Drug Administration.

The development and license agreement, signed December 21, 2005, provided Wyeth with global rights to use SCOLR's technology for all products containing ibuprofen. SCOLR has already received approximately $2.1 million in milestone and other payments from Wyeth, including more than $950,000 since January 1, 2007.

As a result of the termination dated March 14, 2007, SCOLR will reacquire all rights to use its technology for products containing ibuprofen. Pursuant to the terms of the license agreement, the termination will be effective April 16, 2007.

Daniel O. Wilds, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "While we are disappointed with Wyeth's decision, this also represents a significant opportunity for us. We are optimistic about our ability to advance commercialization of a 12-hour extended release ibuprofen product. We believe that multiple clinical trials, real time stability and scale-up activities provide strong evidence of the commercial viability of our CDT® formulation.

"We will continue preparations for an FDA filing, while at the same time we will evaluate various opportunities for this product, including discussions with large pharmaceutical companies that have previously expressed an interest in working with us to commercialize a variety of extended release products containing ibuprofen."

The Wyeth decision does not affect SCOLR Pharma's ongoing development of other pharmaceutical products using its CDT platform.

About SCOLR Pharma:

Based in Bellevue, Washington, SCOLR Pharma, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company. SCOLR Pharma's corporate objective is to combine its formulation expertise and its patented CDT platform to develop novel pharmaceutical, over-the-counter (OTC), and nutritional products. Our CDT drug delivery platform is based on multiple issued and pending patents and other intellectual property for the programmed release or enhanced performance of active pharmaceutical ingredients and nutritional products. For more information on SCOLR Pharma, please call 425.373.0171 or visit http://www.scolr.com/