All fifty-eight patients, with a median age of 63 and all with advanced acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome - a pre-leukemic condition - saw their blood cancers go into remission using a novel combination of low-intensity chemotherapy, targeted radiation delivery by an antibody and a stem-cell transplant. Forty percent of the patients were alive a year after treatment and approximately 35 percent had survived three years, about the same rates as patients who received similar treatment but whose disease was already in remission and who had much more favorable risk for relapse when therapy began.

Results of the research appear online in the journal Blood. The principal investigator and corresponding author of the paper is John Pagel, M.D., Ph.D, a transplant oncologist and assistant member of the Hutchinson Center's Clinical Research Division.

The purpose of the study was to find the maximum dose of radiation that patients could tolerate with acceptable toxic side effects, not to assess how effective the novel treatment was, according to Pagel and colleagues. However, "the results appear to be very encouraging and warrant us to study it further for patients who really have no significant other curative options," Pagel said.

Older (over age 50) patients with active, advanced leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome pose the most difficult treatment challenges because standard transplant therapy rarely works, according to Pagel. Both standard and low-dose therapies (a process sometimes known as a "mini transplant" and pioneered at the Hutchinson Center) used to kill leukemia cells in the bloodstream in preparation for a transplant usually require that patients be in remission.

The patients in this study, who came from all over the world to participate in the Phase 1 clinical trial, were in large part those with active relapsed disease that in many cases had failed to respond to standard therapies. Eighty-six percent of the 58 patients had active disease and only 10 percent were in remission when therapy was begun. Their cancers had failed previous treatment attempts. "These were people who had extremely advanced high-risk disease, they were typically older - most of them were in their 60s and some were in their 70s - and had few or no other options for a potential cure. In fact most, if not all, would not been offered a stem cell transplant here or elsewhere. It is fair to say that these patients would likely have died without a transplant being performed if they had not been given the opportunity to participate in this study."

To find the optimal dose of radiation, researchers began at 12 Gy (Gray, a unit of measurement of absorbed radiation dose) and escalated the dosages in increments of 2 Gy up to a Gy of 26. At that dose, some toxicity to the heart and lungs was found so they concluded 24 Gy to be the maximum effective dosage. The 21 patients who received the maximum radiation dose have survived the longest, researchers reported.

The key to success in this study was use of a radiolabeled antibody that has therapeutic iodine 131 attached and is designed to target leukemic bloods cells that carry a marker on the surface of the cell known as CD45. Its use in delivering targeted amounts of radiation was developed several years ago at the Hutchinson Center. Delivered intravenously, the radiation looks for the CD45 antigen receptor on the surface of blood cells. This approach results in a two- to four-fold increase in the amount of radiation that reaches cancerous cells as compared to standard external beam radiation, which also radiates normal surrounding organs and tissue. The more radiation that can be applied, the more cancer cells will be killed in preparation for donor stem cells to take over the diseased immune system and kill off the remaining cancer cells.

Pagel said further research is needed to test more patients at the highest radiation dose both at the Hutchinson Center and at other transplant centers around the country.

Joining Pagel in the study were colleagues from the Hutchinson Center, the Pacific Northwest Laboratory and the departments of Medicine, Pediatrics and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, the Edson Foundation and the Frederick Kullman Memorial Fund supported this research.

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, our interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Our researchers, including three Nobel laureates, bring a relentless pursuit and passion for health, knowledge and hope to their work and to the world. For more information, please visit fhcrc.org.

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The molecules — called 'antibody-recruiting molecule targeting HIV' (ARM-H) and 'antibody-recruiting molecule targeting prostate cancer' (ARM-P) — work by binding simultaneously to an antibody already present in the bloodstream and to proteins on HIV, HIV-infected cells or cancer cells. By coating these pathogens in antibodies, the molecules flag them as a threat and trigger the body's own immune response. In the case of ARM-H, by binding to proteins on the outside of the virus, they also prevent healthy human cells from being infected.

'Instead of trying to kill the pathogens directly, these molecules manipulate our immune system to do something it wouldn't ordinarily do,' said David Spiegel, Ph.D., M.D., assistant professor of chemistry and the corresponding author of both papers.

Because both HIV and cancer have methods for evading the body's immune system, treatments and vaccinations for the two diseases have proven difficult. Current treatment options for HIV and prostate cancer — including antiviral drugs, radiation and chemotherapy — involve severe side effects and are often ineffective against advanced cases. While there are some antibody drugs available, they are difficult to produce in large quantities and are costly. They also must be injected and are accompanied by severe side effects of their own.

By contrast, the ARM-H and ARM-P molecules, which the team has begun testing in mice, are structurally simple, inexpensive to produce, and could in theory be taken in pill form, Spiegel said. And because they are unlikely to target essential biological processes in the body, the side effects could be smaller, he noted.

'This is an entirely new approach to treating these two diseases, which are extraordinarily important in terms of their impact on human health,' Spiegel said.

HIV is a global pandemic that affects 33 million people worldwide, while prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among American men, with one out of every six American men expected to develop the disease.

Funding for this research was provided by the National Institutes of Health.

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Toronto, Canada (November 4, 2009) — An article entitled 'Computer-assisted methods for molecular structure elucidation: realizing a spectroscopist's dream' written by scientists at Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc., (ACD/Labs), The Russian Academy of Sciences, and ChemZoo Inc., has become one of the Top 10 Most Accessed Articles on the Journal of Cheminformatics website. The article coincides with the 40th anniversary of the first published works dealing with the creation of algorithms for computer-assisted structure elucidation (CASE).

The article aims to illustrate that CASE systems are finally approaching the goal of fully automated structure elucidation—a spectroscopist's dream come true—and describes the main principles of CASE systems along with some of the challenges encountered in developing an effective system. The expert system, ACD/Structure Elucidator, using 2D NMR data is used to illustrate the principles of a modern CASE system.

CASE has traditionally attempted to employ a variety of types of analytical spectra to elucidate chemical structure including 1H and 13C NMR, IR, and UV, but without significant success. Only in the past two decades, with the increased availability and use of 2D NMR, has development of expert systems based on 2D NMR been possible.

The abstract and full article text is available on the Journal of Cheminformatics website. http://www.jcheminf.com/content/1/1/3

For more information about ACD/Structure Elucidator software, visit our website. http://www.acdlabs.com/se/.

About Advanced Chemistry Development

Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc., (ACD/Labs) develops desktop and enterprise software solutions for chemical, biochemical, and pharmaceutical R&D. Our expertise lies in vendor-neutral spectroscopic data processing and prediction, physicochemical and ADMET property prediction, analytical knowledge management, interactive reporting, and integrating analytical data with chemical structures to help protect and leverage valuable research knowledge.
www.acdlabs.com.

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WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.– Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) today outlined its global plans following the completion of Merck's merger with Schering-Plough Corporation announced yesterday. The new Merck is a global health care leader aimed at providing innovative, distinctive products and services that save and improve lives, while satisfying customer needs and creating long term shareholder value.

'With our merger now complete, we are ready to deliver on the promise of a new Merck built on a foundation of scientific innovation and dedication to the well-being of patients around the world,' said Richard T. Clark, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck. 'On 'Day One' for the new Merck, we are stronger and better equipped to make a difference in the lives of people globally through our broadened, diversified portfolio of innovative medicines and vaccines, and products for consumer and animal health.

"Our integration teams prepared us well for a strong start today, with thorough plans designed to ensure a seamless transition for our customers and employees," added Mr. Clark. "The combination of the considerable talents of Schering-Plough and Merck employees across the globe positions Merck to move through this dynamic time for our industry with a clear vision for the future."

From the outset, Merck is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal and consumer health products. This portfolio is complemented by a robust pipeline with more than 15 promising late-stage candidates spanning critical therapeutic categories. Merck now has approximately 106,000 employees and operates in more than 140 countries around the world, including emerging markets. The company expects to generate more than 50 percent of its revenue outside the United States.

"The people of the new Merck share a passion for the good our medicines and vaccines can do for patients and a commitment to pursuing high-quality results with our customers and partners," Mr. Clark said. "Thanks to the talent and dedication of scientists at both companies, the combined company offers an outstanding clinical development pipeline that will greatly increase our ability to deliver important new medicines to patients.'

The company's corporate headquarters will be in Whitehouse Station, NJ, as previously indicated. In addition, the company's U.S. organization for the Global Human Health division and Merck Research Laboratories will be headquartered in Upper Gwynedd, PA. The former Schering-Plough headquarters in Kenilworth, NJ and Merck's operations in Rahway, NJ, will continue to be important sites, with large and diverse operations encompassing marketing, manufacturing and research. At this time, all other sites will continue to operate as they did before the merger.

Key Therapeutic Areas
The new Merck has a broad portfolio of medicines – an engine for consistent, sustainable growth – driven in part by the addition of valuable products with long periods of exclusivity. By leveraging Merck's expanded product offerings, the company expects to benefit from additional revenue growth opportunities. For example, Merck will pursue expanded life-cycle management through the introduction of potential new combinations and formulations of existing products.

The company's diverse portfolio of adult, adolescent and pediatric vaccines and medicines spans important therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity, bone, respiratory, immunology, dermatology, infectious disease, oncology, neurosciences, ophthalmology, women's health and endocrinology.

Diversified Businesses
The new Merck's expanded portfolio also includes leading products from its Animal Health and Consumer Health Care business units.

Merck's Animal Health business is a world leader with market-leading products for a broad range of species and strong growth potential. The division has more than 1,000 marketed products and generates approximately $3 billion in revenues.

The company's Consumer Health Care business has a number of attractive brands such as CLARITIN, COPPERTONE, DR. SCHOLL'S and MIRALAX.

Financial Highlights
Merck is targeting a high single digit non-GAAP EPS¹ compound annual growth rate from 2009 to 2013 (with the 2009 base representing Merck's previous stand-alone non-GAAP EPS guidance of $3.20 - $3.30). Additionally, in 2013, Merck is targeting free cash flow to be approximately $15 billion. The combined company will have a strong balance sheet with cash and investments of approximately $8 billion at the time of the closing. As previously indicated, Merck expects the transaction to be modestly accretive in 2010.

Merck also continues to expect to achieve substantial incremental cost savings of approximately $3.5 billion annually beyond 2011 which are expected to come from all areas across the combined company.

The strong cash flow and substantial cost savings will enable the company to continue to invest in some of the best investment opportunities, including pipeline candidates with the greatest probability of success, as well as licensing opportunities. By optimizing its investments, the new Merck will maximize the benefits of strategic growth initiatives and R&D efforts to solidify its position at the forefront of innovation and enhance its scientific and technological leadership.

Additionally, Merck's Board of Directors continues to be committed to maintaining the dividend at the current level.

Organizational Structure
During the past six months, Merck and Schering-Plough merger integration teams worked hard to successfully maintain the business momentum of the two companies while ensuring operational readiness and business continuity for the merged company.

The integration plans are focused on these priorities: an effective transition for customers and employees; putting the right people in the right jobs; realizing projected merger synergies in the form of cost savings and revenue growth opportunities; and maintaining momentum in the company's late stage pipeline.

The company took significant steps prior to the merger's completion to advance its integration planning objectives. In August, Merck announced the new organizational structure and top leadership team for the combined company. Last month, approximately 300 executives from Merck and Schering-Plough were named to key country leadership positions to ensure that all markets around the world would be ready for business on the first day of operations for the new Merck.

The company's previously announced organizational structure takes advantage of the combined strengths of Merck and Schering-Plough to create a more customer-focused, innovative, and diversified global health care company positioned to capitalize on the company's greatest opportunities for growth, particularly in emerging markets, biologics and vaccines. Merck has five primary divisions: Global Human Health, Animal Health, Consumer Health Care, Merck Research Laboratories and Merck Manufacturing.

Leadership
The new Merck will benefit from the unparalleled industry experience of senior leaders from both Schering-Plough and Merck, with approximately 40 percent of Schering-Plough's senior leaders joining the combined company.

As announced in August, the Executive Committee, reporting directly to CEO Dick Clark, includes the following individuals, as well as a Chief Medical Officer who will be named at a later date: Stanley F. Barshay, EVP and president, Consumer Health Care; Richard S. Bowles, Ph.D., chief compliance officer; Willie A. Deese, EVP and president, Merck Manufacturing; Kenneth C. Frazier, EVP and president, Global Human Health; Mirian Graddick-Weir, Ph.D., EVP, Human Resources; Peter N. Kellogg, chief financial officer; Peter S. Kim, Ph.D., EVP and president, Merck Research Laboratories; Raul E. Kohan, president, Animal Health; Bruce N. Kuhlik, general counsel; J. Chris Scalet, chief information officer, Global Services; and Mervyn Turner, Ph.D, chief strategy officer.

Corporate Branding
With the merger complete, Merck will take a global approach to unify and simplify use of its trade name. The company will use the trade name 'Merck' in the United States and Canada and elsewhere use the trade name 'MSD.'

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* Global Health Care Leader Poised for Sustainable Growth Through Innovations for Patients

WHITEHOUSE STATION and KENILWORTH, N.J.- – Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) and Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) today announced that they will complete their merger shortly after 4:00PM ET today. The companies will begin combined operations tomorrow, November 4, 2009. As previously announced, Schering-Plough will change its name to Merck and its common stock will trade under the ticker symbol 'MRK' on the New York Stock Exchange.

Under the terms of the agreement, Schering-Plough shareholders will receive 0.5767 shares of the newly combined company and $10.50 in cash for each share of Schering-Plough. Each Merck common share will automatically become a common share of the newly combined company.

This announcement follows clearance from regulatory authorities in China and Mexico. The merger of local Merck and Schering-Plough entities may be pending in other jurisdictions and integration is subject to completion of various local legal and regulatory obligations.

From the completion of the merger today through 5:00 p.m. ET on November 19, 2009, the 6.00% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock of Schering-Plough will be convertible at a make-whole conversion rate of 8.2021. For each share of preferred stock converted during this period, the holder will receive $86.12 in cash ($10.50 x 8.2021) and 4.7302 'MRK' common shares (0.5767x 8.2021). Holders will also receive, for each share converted, a dividend make-whole payment of between $10.79 and $10.82, depending on the date of conversion. Additional information regarding the make-whole conversion rights of the holders of the preferred stock is set forth in the 'Notice of Make-Whole Acquisition' available at www.schering-plough.com. Beginning tomorrow, the 6.00% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock will trade under the ticker symbol 'MRK PR B'.

Merck has appointed Wells Fargo Shareowner Services as agent to exchange the Schering-Plough common stock for merger consideration and as conversion agent for the 6.00% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock. Schering-Plough registered shareholders with questions regarding the exchange of Schering-Plough common stock for merger consideration or the conversion of the 6.00% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock should contact Wells Fargo Shareowner Services at (800) 522-9114.

Additional information regarding the exchange of Schering-Plough common stock for merger consideration will also be mailed to registered holders of Schering-Plough common stock. Schering-Plough shareholders who hold shares through a broker or bank should receive information regarding the exchange or conversion of their shares from the party holding their shares.

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Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) and Achmea Health, the largest healthcare insurer in the Netherlands, today signed a five-year agreement to cooperate in the development of innovative care solutions aimed at increasing the independence of chronic patients. The initiative will focus on enabling chronic disease sufferers to better manage their health at home, reducing the need for hospital stays.

Diabetes cases in adults are predicted to more than double globally from 143 million in 1997 to 300 million by 2025[1], and without action an estimated 388 million people will die from chronic diseases in the next 10 years[2]. Globally, demand for care is growing faster than the number of healthcare practitioners, resulting in the need for fewer care professionals to handle more patients, in less time and at a lower cost.

The agreement between Philips and Achmea Health will seek to address this challenge by developing technology solutions that remotely monitor health and provide guidance and motivation to patients in the home to enable them to better manage their own health, ultimately reducing the need for intervention by healthcare professionals. The initiative will seek input from all stakeholders involved in chronic patient care, including healthcare professionals, informal carers and patients.

'As the largest healthcare insurer in the Netherlands, the insights of patients and healthcare professionals captured by Achmea Health are an extremely important tool for us in our efforts to develop solutions that will genuinely meet people's needs,' commented Walter van Kuijen, general manager Home Monitoring, Philips Healthcare. 'For more than 100 years Philips has been a trusted brand in both hospitals and homes. Due to this unique combination of expertise we are well positioned to develop home healthcare solutions that are valued by clinician and patient alike.'

'We want to ensure that people with chronic diseases are firmly in the driving seat when it comes to managing their own health. This will not only benefit patients: by reducing the number of hospital stays and shortening those that do take place, the burden on the healthcare system can also be reduced. In the long-term we believe that this approach will enable us to reduce the costs of health insurance for our customers,' said Roelof Konterman, chairman of the Board of Management at Achmea Health.

Previously, Philips and Achmea Health worked together on the 'HartMotief' study, which examined the possibilities for increasing self-management among heart failure patients. Following successful results, the Philips Motiva homecare system was introduced to the Dutch market, and the system is now fully integrated into treatment programs at nine hospitals in the country.

The agreement with Achmea Health is Philips' latest development in home healthcare in Europe. The company has been and continues to be involved in several home healthcare research projects in Europe, including:

· TENS-HMS study (2005) – The largest telecare study conducted to-date, conducted in conjunction with leading cardiologists from the UK, Netherlands and Germany

· HartMotief study (2006) – Evaluation of Telehealth in the Netherlands, conducted with Achmea Health

[1] World Health Organization, '50 facts: Global health situation and trends 1955-2025,' WHO online, World health report 1998 press kit

[2] World Health Organization, 'Solving the chronic disease problem,' WHO online, 2005

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of 'sense and simplicity'. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs more than 118,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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* Tianyuan and Novartis to collaborate on building a vaccines industry leader targeting unmet medical needs in China, the world's third-largest vaccines market

* Acquisition of 85% stake in Tianyuan for approximately USD 125 million will require Chinese regulatory and government approvals

Basel - Novartis has reached an agreement to acquire an 85% stake in the Chinese vaccines company Zhejiang Tianyuan Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. as part of a strategic initiative to build a vaccines industry leader in this country and expand the Group's limited presence in this fast-growing market segment. This proposed acquisition will require government and regulatory approvals in China.

Tianyuan is a privately-owned vaccine company offering a range of marketed vaccine products in China and R&D projects focused on various preventable viral and bacterial diseases. Tianyuan has been delivering dynamic and profitable growth, having more than doubled its net sales to approximately USD 25 million in 2008 compared to 2006.

"Novartis has a long-standing commitment to improving healthcare in China. Our future activities with Tianyuan are an important step in our strategy to enhance the prevention of diseases in China with high-quality products," said Dr. Daniel Vasella, Chairman and CEO of Novartis. "The leadership and associates of Tianyuan share with Novartis the same ambition of offering a broad range of vaccines that can prevent many potentially deadly diseases and greatly improve quality of life."

As part of the collaboration, the two companies will work together to expand Tianyuan's product portfolio and R&D pipeline through targeted investments in vaccines innovation, manufacturing technologies and commercial networks. This collaboration is also expected to facilitate the introduction of Novartis vaccines into China, where Novartis currently has a limited presence with an offering of vaccines against influenza and rabies.

"Our mission is 'To build the Great Wall of Health for the people.' I personally look forward to working with Novartis to continue our mission by bringing more innovative vaccines to China and building Tianyuan into a true international vaccines company," said Mr. Ding Xiaohang, who is the founder, Chairman and CEO of Tianyuan and will continue to lead this business while holding a minority stake.

China is the world's third largest vaccines market, with annual industry sales of more than USD 1 billion and expectations for sustained double-digit growth in the future given the government's commitment to improve access to quality healthcare.

Transaction terms
Novartis has signed a definitive agreement with the shareholders of Zhejiang Tianyuan Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., to acquire an 85% stake for approximately RMB 850 million (USD 125 million in cash). The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including receipt of government and regulatory approvals in China.

About Tianyuan
Zhejiang Tianyuan Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which was founded as a private enterprise by Mr. Ding Xiaohang, entered the Chinese vaccines industry in 1994 with the first vaccine in China against Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) caused by hantaviruses. Tianyuan has since become one of the country's leading private manufacturers and distributors of vaccines with approximately 400 associates and an R&D/manufacturing site in Hangzhou (near Shanghai).

Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the proposed acquisition of Novartis of a majority stake in Zhejiang Tianyuan Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and to Novartis and Tianyuan's respective businesses. Such forward looking statements are not historical facts and can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "to expand," "pipeline," "to collaborate," "targeting," "will," "strategic," "commitment," "future," "strategy," "ambition," "potentially," "expected," "look forward to," "expectations," or by express or implied discussions regarding potential future regulatory approvals of the proposed acquisition of a majority stake in Tianyuan by Novartis, or regarding the potential new vaccine products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or potential future sales or earnings of the Novartis Group or any of its divisions or of Tianyuan; or by discussions of strategy, plans, expectations or intentions or potential synergies, strategic benefits or opportunities that may result from the proposed acquisition. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current plans, expectations, objectives, intentions or views of Novartis with respect to future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. In particular, there can be no guarantee that the proposed acquisition of Tianyuan by Novartis will obtain the required government and regulatory approvals in China. Nor can there be any guarantee that the proposed acquisition will be completed in the expected form or within the expected time frame or at all. Neither can there be any guarantee that Novartis will be able to realize any of the potential synergies, strategic benefits or opportunities as a result of the proposed acquisition. Nor can there be any guarantee that any new products will be developed or approved for sale in any market. Neither can there be any guarantee that Novartis or Tianyuan will achieve any particular levels of revenue in the future. Among other things, the expectations of Novartis could be affected by unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; unexpected clinical trial results, including unexpected new clinical data and unexpected additional analysis of existing clinical data; the company's ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection; competition in general; government, industry and general public pricing pressures; the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the values attributed to the Novartis Group's assets and liabilities as recorded in the Group's consolidated balance sheet, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis
Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in each of these areas. In 2008, the Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion and net income of USD 8.2 billion. Approximately USD 7.2 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 99,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

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The SureSelect Human All Exon Kit extends the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the SureSelect Target Enrichment System to studies of all human exons, a region totaling approximately 38 Mb. Available in kit sizes appropriate for studies comprised of a few to several thousand samples, Agilent's in-solution-based SureSelect Target Enrichment System easily scales up and is well-suited for automation.

"We're excited to extend our next-generation sequencing target enrichment portfolio even further with an optimized protocol for the Applied Biosystems SOLiD System in addition to the protocol for the Illumina GAII which was released last month," said Fred Ernani, Ph.D., Agilent emerging genomics applications product manager. "The performance, ease of use and scalability of the SureSelect Human All Exon Kit combines well with the increasing capacity and efficiency of both of these next-generation sequencers."

The SureSelect Human All Exon Kit design covers 1.22 percent of human genomic regions corresponding to the NCBI Consensus CDS Database (CCDS), including more than 700 human miRNAs from the Sanger v13 database and more than 300 additional human non-coding RNAs in a single tube.

"The SureSelect All Exon Kit enrichment for the Applied Biosystems SOLiD System worked in our hands extremely well," said Dr. Michal Schweiger, MD, Ph.D., Cancer Genomics Group of the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics. "The amount of input DNA required is very low and the protocol straightforward to perform. We are very happy about the technology, especially in regard to our applications studying cancer where we have limited amounts of input DNA."

Agilent's SureSelect Target Enrichment System is now the platform with the most optimized protocols for a diverse set of sequencing protocols and platforms. It supports Illumina end-sequencing and paired-end sequencing protocols in addition to fragment library format sequencing on the SOLiD System. Users of Agilent's eArray online design tool can improve the efficiency of their research by easily designing custom products to target any genome of interest, all in a single tube.

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New Brunswick, NJ – Johnson & Johnson today announced global restructuring initiatives designed to strengthen the company's position as the world's leading global health care company. The company is taking steps to prioritize its innovation efforts around the many growth opportunities in health care and to execute aggressively on bringing key new products to market.

The company's plans are expected to increase its operational efficiency and generate annualized, pre-tax cost savings of $1.4-$1.7 billion when fully implemented in 2011, with $800-$900 million expected to be achieved in 2010. The associated savings will provide additional resources to invest in new growth platforms; ensure the successful launch of its many new products and continued growth of its core businesses; and provide flexibility to adjust to the changed and evolving global environment.

'Johnson & Johnson has long adhered to a broad-based operating model and set of sound management principles that have driven our success,' said William C. Weldon, Johnson & Johnson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 'Today, we are announcing a series of actions and plans designed to ensure that our company remains well-positioned and appropriately structured for sustainable, long-term growth in the health care industry.'

The company expects to record an associated pre-tax, restructuring charge in the range of $1.1-$1.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009, treated as a special item. The company also confirmed its earnings guidance for full-year 2009 of $4.54 - $4.59 per share, which excludes the impact of special items such as restructuring charges.

Cost savings will be achieved primarily by reducing layers of management, increasing individual spans of control, and simplifying business structures and processes across the company's global operations.

Position eliminations will form only one component of the savings. Weldon said, 'These types of changes are difficult under any circumstances, and will have a very personal impact on people who have been dedicated to the mission of Johnson & Johnson. We recognize their contributions to the achievements of our business, and are committed to treating them fairly and with respect throughout this process.'

The company said initiatives would be implemented at the operating company levels to be certain the businesses can meet the needs of the customers they serve on a day-to-day basis. The company estimates that position eliminations will be in a range of 6-7 percent of its global workforce, subject to any consultation procedures on these plans in countries where required.

About Johnson & Johnson
Caring for the world, one person at a time…inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science - bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 117,000 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.

NOTE TO INVESTORS

Johnson & Johnson will conduct a conference call with financial analysts to discuss this news release today at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time. A simultaneous webcast of the call for interested investors and others may be accessed by visiting the Johnson & Johnson website at www.investor.jnj.com. A replay and podcast will be available approximately two hours after the live webcast by visiting www.investor.jnj.com.

(This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Johnson & Johnson's expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include general industry conditions and competition; economic conditions, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; domestic and foreign health care reforms and governmental laws and regulations; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Exhibit 99 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. Copies of this Form 10-K, as well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.comor on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.)

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The acquisition provides Abbott with a leading presence in the growing area of non-surgical treatment for structural heart disease.Evalve's minimally invasive catheter-based MitraClip® system is the first commercially available treatment option approved in Europe for non-surgical mitral valve repair for patients suffering from the effects of mitral regurgitation – a condition that prevents the heart's mitral valve from closing completely The MitraClip system is an investigational device in the United States and is currently in clinical trials.

"Evalve's innovative valve repair technology gives us the potential to provide new treatment options for millions of patients with mitral regurgitation around the world," said Robert Hance, senior vice president, vascular, Abbott. "This acquisition complements Abbott's industry-leading pipeline and strong vascular devices portfolio, which currently holds leadership positions in drug eluting and bare metal stent segments."

Abbott acquired the remaining outstanding equity of Evalve that it did not already own for an upfront payment of $320 million, plus a $90 million payment if certain regulatory milestones are met.

The acquisition of Evalve is one of six strategic acquisitions initiated by Abbott in the past 12 months to bolster long-term growth across its broad base of businesses through diversification of product portfolios, addition of new technology and expansion into key global emerging markets.
About Abbott

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 72,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
Abbott Forward Looking Statement

Some statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Abbott cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect Abbott's operations are discussed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," to our Annual Report on Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, and are incorporated by reference. Abbott undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments.

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'There has been a great deal of research into the use of manufactured carbon nanomaterials in various products, but there are still a lot of questions about how these materials will interact with biological systems,' says Dr. Nancy Monteiro-Riviere, a professor of investigative dermatology and toxicology at the Center for Chemical Toxicology Research and Pharmacokinetics at NC State and lead investigator of the study. 'There is a crucial need to understand how these manufactured carbon nanomaterials will act once they are in the body – particularly where environmental or occupational exposure can occur.'

The two-year research project, which is being funded by NIH at approximately $658,000, has several specific goals. First, the researchers will determine how and whether the size and surface charge of four fullerenes – or specifically shaped carbon nanoparticles – effects how the fullerenes interact with the body. 'Our hypothesis is that the size and charge of these fullerenes will dictate how the nanoparticles are absorbed by the body, how they are distributed within the body, how the body metabolizes the nanoparticles and – ultimately – how and whether the body can eliminate the nanoparticles,' says Monteiro-Riviere.

A second goal is to determine how fullerene size and surface charge affect the distribution of the nanoparticles in the body's organs and plasma, when the fullerenes are injected intravenously. This component of the study will be performed in animal models that are well understood, and where the findings can then be extrapolated to humans. Researchers will also identify any adverse health effects resulting from acute exposure to the nanomaterials.

Finally, the researchers will assess how the body absorbs fullerenes when exposed to the nanomaterials orally or through abraded skin – two routes of exposure that are particularly relevant to real-world scenarios, such as exposure in the workplace.

'The work being done in this project will not only improve our understanding of how nanomaterials behave in the body, but will also help us identify in vitro assays, which can be performed in a laboratory, that predict how the nanomaterials will behave in the body,' says Monteiro-Riviere.

NC State's research team working on the project includes Drs. Nancy Monteiro-Riviere, Jim Riviere, Burroughs Wellcome Fund Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology and director of the Center for Chemical Toxicology Research and Pharmacokinetics, Xin Xia, research assistant professor of pharmacology, and Keith Linder, assistant professor of pathology.

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London UK & Philadelphia US - GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK) and Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) today announced that Benlysta™ (belimumab) met the primary endpoint in BLISS-76, the second of two pivotal Phase 3 trials in seropositive patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). BLISS-76 study results through 52 weeks showed that belimumab 10 mg/kg plus standard of care achieved a statistically significant improvement in patient response rate as measured by the SLE Responder Index at Week 52, compared with placebo plus standard of care. Study results also showed that belimumab was generally well tolerated, as demonstrated by a similar rate of discontinuations due to adverse events across treatment groups, with overall adverse event rates comparable between belimumab and placebo treatment groups.

'The BLISS-76 results confirm our view that Benlysta has the potential to become the first new approved drug in decades for people living with systemic lupus,' said H. Thomas Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, HGS. 'We take great pride in the innovation and scientific rigour that has made it possible to bring Benlysta to this point. We plan to submit marketing applications in the first half of 2010, following discussions with regulatory authorities in the United States, Europe and other regions. We will continue to work with GSK to advance this drug to the market where it may benefit patients with significant need.'

Carlo Russo, M.D., Senior Vice President, Biopharm Development, GSK, said, 'The results from this second pivotal Phase 3 trial reinforce our belief that belimumab could deliver a significant therapeutic option for patients with lupus who have had no new treatment in 50 years. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with HGS in order to bring this important medicine to patients.'

The data from the BLISS-76 study were analysed after 52 weeks, in accordance with the study protocol, in support of a potential Biologics License Application in the United States and Marketing Authorisation Applications in Europe and other regions. However, the BLISS-76 study is ongoing and will continue for 24 more weeks. Additional data will be available following completion of the full 76-week study period. Belimumab is an investigational drug and the first in a new class of drugs called BLyS-specific inhibitors. Belimumab is being developed by HGS and GSK under a co-development and commercialisation agreement entered into in August 2006.

Key Findings from BLISS-76
'We are delighted that the efficacy of treatment with belimumab plus standard of care was superior to placebo plus standard of care in both BLISS-52 and BLISS-76, with overall adverse event rates comparable to placebo plus standard of care,' said David C. Stump, M.D., Executive Vice President, Research and Development, HGS. 'Belimumab met the primary endpoint in both pivotal Phase 3 trials, as specified by the Special Protocol Assessment Agreement with the FDA. We look forward to the full presentation of the BLISS-76 52-week results at an appropriate scientific meeting, hopefully in the first half of 2010.'

Topline BLISS-76 results include:

* Based on an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, belimumab 10 mg/kg met its primary efficacy endpoint of superiority versus placebo at Week 52. A statistically significant improvement was shown in patient response rate for belimumab 10 mg/kg plus standard of care, vs. placebo plus standard of care, as measured by the SLE Responder Index at Week 52: 43.2% for 10 mg/kg belimumab, 40.6% for 1 mg/kg belimumab, and 33.8% for placebo (p=0.021 and p=0.10 for 10 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg belimumab, respectively vs. placebo). The 1 mg/kg dose plus standard of care did not achieve a statistically significant improvement in the current study. The SLE Responder Index defines patient response as an improvement in SELENA SLEDAI score of 4 points or greater, with no clinically significant BILAG worsening and no clinically significant worsening in Physician's Global Assessment.
* Results for pre-specified major secondary efficacy endpoints were:
o The proportion of patients with a reduction in SELENA SLEDAI score of at least 4 points by Week 52, was 46.9% for belimumab 10 mg/kg, 42.8% for belimumab 1 mg/kg, and 35.6% for placebo (p=0.0062 and p=0.087 for belimumab 10 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively vs. placebo).
o Improvement from baseline in Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) at Week 24 was not statistically different between the belimumab and placebo treatment groups. Mean improvement in PGA at Week 52, a pre-specified although not a major secondary endpoint, was 0.49 for belimumab 10 mg/kg, 0.55 for belimumab 1 mg/kg, and 0.46 for placebo (p=0.12 for belimumab 10 mg/kg and p=0.022 for 1 mg/kg, respectively vs. placebo).
o At entry into the BLISS-76 study, approximately 46% of patients were receiving steroids at a prednisone-equivalent dose of at least 7.5 mg per day. Among these patients, the percentage of patients who had their average steroid dose reduced by at least 25% from baseline to 7.5 mg per day or less during the last 12 weeks of study was 16.7% for belimumab 10 mg/kg, 19.2% for belimumab 1 mg/kg, and 12.7% for placebo (not statistically significant vs. placebo).
o Improvement in health-related quality of life at Week 24 as measured by the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was not significantly different among treatment groups. Mean improvement in the SF-36 PCS score at Week 52, a pre-specified although not major secondary endpoint, was 3.41 for belimumab 10 mg/kg, 4.37 for belimumab 1 mg/kg, and 2.85 for placebo (p=0.51 for belimumab 10 mg/kg and p=0.012 for 1 mg/kg, respectively vs. placebo).
* In BLISS-76, belimumab was generally well tolerated, with rates of overall adverse events, serious and/or severe adverse events, all infections, serious and/or severe infections, and discontinuations due to adverse events comparable between treatment groups receiving belimumab plus standard of care and the treatment group receiving placebo plus standard of care. Serious and/or severe adverse events were reported in 26.8% of patients on belimumab and 24.0% of patients on placebo. Infections were reported in 72.1% of patients on belimumab and 67.3% of patients on placebo. Serious and/or severe infections were reported in 7.2% of patients on belimumab and 8.0% of patients on placebo. Serious and/or severe infusion reactions were reported in 1.1% of patients on belimumab and 0.7% of patients on placebo. Discontinuations due to adverse events were 7.2% in the belimumab treatment groups and 7.6% in the placebo treatment group. Malignancies were reported by 2, 3, and 1 subjects in the belimumab 10 mg/kg, belimumab 1 mg/kg and placebo groups, respectively. There were three deaths in the study, with 1, 2, and 0 reported in the belimumab 10 mg/kg, belimumab 1 mg/kg and placebo groups, respectively.

'The lupus community has waited for decades for one positive Phase 3 trial of an investigative drug developed for lupus. Now we have two. Based on the data we now have in hand, we have cause for hope that belimumab may emerge as a significant new treatment for lupus,' said Joan T. Merrill, M.D., a study investigator, Programme Chair, Clinical Pharmacology Research Programme, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, and Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Centre.

About the Benlysta (belimumab) Phase 3 Development Programme
The Phase 3 development programme for belimumab includes two double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre Phase 3 superiority trials – BLISS-52 and BLISS-76 – to evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab plus standard of care, versus placebo plus standard of care, in seropositive (HEp-2 ANA more than 1:80 and/or anti-dsDNA more than 30 IU/mL) patients with SLE. This is the largest clinical trial programme ever conducted in lupus patients. BLISS-52 randomised and treated 865 patients at 90 clinical sites in 13 countries, primarily in Asia, South America and Eastern Europe. BLISS-76 randomised and treated 819 patients at 136 clinical sites in 19 countries, primarily in North America and Europe. The design of the two trials is similar, but the duration of therapy in the two studies is different – 52 weeks for BLISS-52 and 76 weeks for BLISS-76. Data from BLISS-76 were analysed after 52 weeks in support of a potential Biologics License Application in the United States and Marketing Authorisation Applications in Europe and other regions. HGS designed the Phase 3 program for belimumab in collaboration with GSK and leading international SLE experts, and the program is being conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment agreement with FDA.

The primary efficacy endpoint of BLISS-52 and BLISS-76 is the patient response rate at Week 52 as measured by the SLE Responder Index, which is defined by: (1) a reduction from baseline of at least 4 points on the SELENA SLEDAI disease activity scale (which indicates a clinically important reduction in SLE disease activity); (2) no worsening of disease as measured by the Physician's Global Assessment (worsening defined as an increase of 0.30 points or more from baseline); (3) no new BILAG A organ domain score (which indicates a severe flare of lupus disease activity) and no more than one new BILAG B organ domain score (which indicates a moderate flare of disease activity). Analysis for the primary endpoint is based on intention-to-treat and adjusted for baseline stratification factors, including SELENA SLEDAI score, proteinuria and race.

In each of the two Phase 3 trials, patients were randomised to one of three treatment groups: 10 mg/kg belimumab (BLISS-52, n=290; BLISS-76, n=273), 1 mg/kg belimumab (BLISS-52, n=288; BLISS-76, n=271), or placebo (BLISS-52, n=287; BLISS-76, n=275). Patients are dosed intravenously on Days 0, 14 and 28, then every 28 days thereafter for the duration of the study. All patients receive standard of care therapy in addition to the study medication. Safety is reviewed by an independent Data Monitoring Committee throughout both studies.

About Benlysta (belimumab)
Belimumab is an investigational human monoclonal antibody drug that specifically recognizes and inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS®. BLyS is a naturally occurring protein discovered by HGS that is required for the development of B-lymphocyte cells into mature plasma B cells. Plasma B cells produce antibodies, the body's first line of defence against infection. In lupus and certain other autoimmune diseases, elevated levels of BLyS are believed to contribute to the production of autoantibodies – antibodies that attack and destroy the body's own healthy tissues. The presence of autoantibodies appears to correlate with disease severity. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that belimumab can reduce autoantibody levels in SLE. The results of two pivotal Phase 3 trials, BLISS-52 and BLISS-76, suggest that belimumab can reduce SLE disease activity.

About the Collaboration with GSK
In August 2006, HGS and GSK entered into a definitive co-development and co-commercialisation agreement under which HGS has responsibility for conducting the belimumab Phase 3 trials, with assistance from GSK. The companies will share equally in Phase 3/4 development costs, sales and marketing expenses, and profits of any product commercialized under the current agreement.

About Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, life-threatening autoimmune disease. Approximately five million people worldwide, including approximately 1.5 million in the United States, suffer from various forms of lupus, including SLE. Lupus can occur at any age, but appears mostly in young people ages 15 to 45. About 90 percent of those diagnosed with lupus are women. African-American women are about three times more likely to develop lupus, and it is also more common in Hispanic, Asian and American Indian women. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rash and kidney problems. Lupus can lead to arthritis, kidney failure, heart and lung inflammation, central nervous system abnormalities, inflammation of the blood vessels and blood disorders. For more information on lupus, visit the Lupus Foundation of America at www.lupus.org, the Lupus Research Institute at www.lupusresearchinstitute.org, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at www.niams.nih.gov, or Lupus Europe at www.elef.rheumanet.org.

Conference Call
HGS management will hold a conference call to discuss this announcement today at 8:15 AM Eastern. Investors may listen to the call by dialling 800-753-9057 or 913-312-0718, passcode 9331404, five to 10 minutes before the start of the call. A replay of the conference call will be available within a few hours after the call ends. Investors may listen to the replay by dialling 888-203-1112 or 719-457-0820, confirmation code 9331404. Today's conference call also will be webcast and can be accessed at www.hgsi.com. Investors interested in listening to the live webcast should log on before the conference call begins to download any software required. Both the audio replay and the archive of the conference call webcast will remain available for several days.

About GlaxoSmithKline
GSK Biopharm R&D is employing novel approaches to harness the therapeutic potential of biopharmaceuticals for the benefit of patients with serious autoimmune disease. This innovative research is one way GSK – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – can deliver on its commitment 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 Human Genome Sciences
The mission of HGS is to apply great science and great medicine to bring innovative drugs to patients with unmet medical needs. The HGS clinical development pipeline includes novel drugs to treat lupus, hepatitis C, inhalation anthrax and cancer.

The Company's primary focus is rapid progress toward the commercialisation of its two lead drugs, Benlysta™ (belimumab) for lupus and ZALBIN™ (albinterferon alfa-2b) for hepatitis C. Benlysta has successfully met its primary endpoint in two pivotal Phase 3 trials in systemic lupus erythematosus, and the submission of marketing applications in the U.S., Europe and other regions is planned in the first half of 2010. ZALBIN has completed Phase 3 development, and the submission of global marketing applications is planned in fourth quarter 2009. In May 2009, HGS submitted a Biologics License Application to the FDA for raxibacumab for the treatment of inhalation anthrax. In addition, HGS has substantial financial rights to certain products in the GSK clinical pipeline including darapladib, currently in Phase 3 development in patients with coronary heart disease, and Syncria® (albiglutide), currently in Phase 3 development in patients with type 2 diabetes.

For more information about HGS, please visit the Company's web site at www.hgsi.com. Health professionals and patients interested in clinical trials of HGS products may inquire via e-mail to medinfo@hgsi.com or by calling HGS at (877) 822-8472.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
Under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect GSK' s operations are described under 'Risk Factors' in the 'Business Review' in the company' s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2008.

HGS SafeHarbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements are based on Human Genome Sciences' current intent, belief and expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements because of Human Genome Sciences' unproven business model, its dependence on new technologies, the uncertainty and timing of clinical trials, Human Genome Sciences' ability to develop and commercialize products, its dependence on collaborators for services and revenue, its substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, its changing requirements and costs associated with facilities, intense competition, the uncertainty of patent and intellectual property protection, Human Genome Sciences' dependence on key management and key suppliers, the uncertainty of regulation of products, the impact of future alliances or transactions and other risks described in the Company's filings with the SEC. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today's date. Human Genome Sciences undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

This press release is intended for business journalists and analysts/investors. Please note that this release may not have been issued in every market in which GSK operates.

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"Integrated solutions for small and medium-sized companies" - the winners of T-Mobile's SME Innovation Award completed this year's competition topic masterfully. The projects convincingly attest to the broad range of applications and the enormous benefit of integrated information and communications technology. The three solutions from such different areas as telemedicine, fleet management, and production control combine mobile and fixed-network communications to give users greater quality of life and flexibility, as well as more transparency and efficiency, making pioneering contributions to life and work in a networked, digital world. Today,
T-Mobile is awarding prizes to the winners at the innovation forum for SMEs held each year in October at T-Mobile headquarters in Bonn that is organized by the renowned German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW).

Impressive solutions
First prize in T-Mobile's innovation competition goes to BodyTel Europe GmbH, Bad Wildungen. This company developed a comprehensive system for monitoring blood sugar and managing diabetes in real time. Key components of this system are the blood glucose meter GlucoTel™ with a Bluetooth module, cell phones with a connection to the mobile Internet and the Java application BodyTel Mobile, plus the BodyTel Center on the Internet. Diabetics who use the solution measure their blood glucose level as usual. The results are automatically transmitted without delay to a secure online glucose log via cell phone. Data such as the dose of insulin and the calculation units for food can also be entered easily. Aside from the patient, other authorized individuals such as physicians and relatives can access the information over the Internet, while the patient can also retrieve it using his or her cell phone. An alarm function can be integrated for carers. This solution, which can be used worldwide, ensures that all the values are recorded immediately. Tedious manual log entries are no longer necessary, and the attending physician and other individuals can keep an eye on the data and react very promptly if needed. What is important from the health insurance companies' perspective is that the solution is based on existing technologies and services and does not generate any additional integration costs. Among other things, BodyTel is currently developing similar solutions for other vital sensors such as blood pressure measuring devices.

The second winner of the SME Innovation Award 2009 is Phoenix Technology GmbH from Ludwigshafen, which developed an extensive solution for managing shuttle buses. The application assists bus drivers in documenting their trips and communicating with the operations center and the other drivers in the fleet. The solution thus simplifies both the scheduling of the service and the billing of services. In addition, the system automatically documents the trips. It recognizes, for example, that the shuttle bus is approaching a stop and then displays input masks for the driver to record the number of passengers who got on and off. All data is sent directly to a server via a mobile data connection and can be displayed and evaluated over the Internet regardless of location. The platform used for the solution is M-Logbuch, the electronic logbook developed by Phoenix Technology. The application runs on smartphones using the Windows Mobile 6 operating system and an integrated or external GPS receiver. In the future, the solution will be expanded to include continuous, automatic recording of various types of vehicle data such as fuel consumption by connecting the vehicles' CAN bus.

In third place is the Kaiserslautern-based technology initiative SmartFactoryKL e. V. A consortium from science and industry set up this intelligent factory of the future in 2005 that develops and demonstrates the industrial plant technology of tomorrow and thereafter. An important objective is to systematically use the latest technologies from the IT world and the communications industry for the automation of production. The T-Mobile award is now going to a SmartFactoryKL solution that integrates the current location, communication, and interaction technologies. The focus is on a seamless outdoor and inhouse navigation system developed at SmartFactoryKL as well as on mobile interaction on site with machinery and technical equipment. When repairs need to be made, for example, the solution indicates malfunctioning, supports the planning and scheduling of the required technician capacity, and also enables the technicians to be piloted to their work location outside and inside a factory. In addition, the solution enables workers to call up a lot of machinery and production data on the spot and thus diagnose faults. The application consequently facilitates lean, seamless design of service, maintenance, and control processes in industrial production. The hardware used includes the universal control panel UCP450 developed by SmartFactoryKL itself, which will be marketed in the future by a partner of this pioneering company.

An important competition
As in previous years, 2009 again saw many applications for the SME Innovation Award. Of the around 50 submissions, T-Mobile initially picked the ten finalists who would receive special assistance from the mobile communications operator during the project phase. When selecting the prize winners, the panel of neutral experts paid particular attention to the concept's feasibility, profitability, and practical advantages. The three winners of the innovation award will receive prize money of EUR 7,500, EUR 5,000, and EUR 2,500. This year was the fourth time that T-Mobile advertised the innovation award. As in 2007, it specifically promotes solutions integrating mobile and fixed-network communications.

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The companies said that the FTC terminated the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and cleared the pending merger. The companies also stated that the Canadian Competition Bureau terminated the waiting period under the Canadian Competition Act and cleared the proposed transaction.

"Clearances from the FTC, the Swiss Competition Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau mark significant steps in the completion of our merger with Schering-Plough,' said Richard T. Clark, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck. "As we work with regulators on the remaining approvals necessary for the close, we stand ready to serve patient needs as a new global healthcare leader."

The transaction remains subject to approval from other regulators, including China and Mexico. Merck and Schering-Plough continue to expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2009.

About Merck
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck currently discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. The Company devotes extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them to the people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

About Schering-Plough
Schering-Plough is an innovation-driven, science-centered global health care company. Through its own biopharmaceutical research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough creates therapies that help save and improve lives around the world. The company applies its research-and-development platform to human prescription, animal health and consumer health care products. Schering-Plough's vision is to "Earn Trust, Every Day" with the doctors, patients, customers and other stakeholders served by its colleagues around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is www.schering-plough.com.

Forward-Looking Statement
This news release includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed merger between Merck and Schering-Plough, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck's and Schering-Plough's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the possibility that the expected synergies from the proposed merger of Merck and Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, due to, among other things, the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and pending legislation that could affect the pharmaceutical industry; the ability to obtain governmental and self-regulatory organization approvals of the merger on the proposed terms and schedule; the failure to obtain the financing required for the merger; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; the possibility that the merger does not close, including, but not limited to, due to the failure to satisfy the closing conditions; Merck's and Schering-Plough's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on the effectiveness of Merck's and Schering-Plough's patents and other protections for innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health policies in the U.S. and internationally and the exposure to litigation and/or regulatory actions. Merck and Schering-Plough undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Merck's 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Schering-Plough's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009, the proxy statement filed by Merck on June 25, 2009 and each company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

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Abbott Park, Illinois (NYSE: ABT) — Abbott announced today that it has received the annual Illinois Continuous Improvement Award for environmental excellence. It is the eighth time Abbott has received the award for its efforts to safeguard the environment and integrate sustainability initiatives throughout its operations in Illinois.

"Abbott's efforts in Illinois are an important part of our broader work to safeguard the environment through sustainable business practices across all of our global operations," said Corlis Murray, vice president, Global Engineering Services, Abbott. "We are taking a multi-faceted approach to minimizing our impact on the environment; from the way we manufacture our products, to how we manage our facilities, to engaging and involving employees in environmental initiatives. We're looking across our businesses to find ways to do things differently, which will improve the environment and strengthen our business over the long-term."

Abbott was recognized for implementing 11 projects aimed at reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and waste, and saving water and energy at its Lake County, Ill. headquarters and manufacturing facilities. These initiatives included:

* Implementing a "green" roof that improves energy efficiency and reduces rainwater runoff
* Reducing CO2 emissions by improving cooling efficiency at the central information technology (IT) data center
* Establishing a program to recycle employees' personal electronic equipment
* Eliminating more than 44 tons of waste annually by recycling packaging material from incoming packages
* Implementing changes to its manufacturing processes to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 5 million pounds per year and reduce the amount of raw materials required for one process by more than 1 million pounds per year.

The Continuous Improvement Awards are part of the Illinois Governor's Sustainability Awards program. Previously called the Governor's Pollution Prevention Awards, the awards recognize businesses and organizations in Illinois for significant achievements in protecting the environment through sustainable business practices. The award is administered by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC), a division of the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability at the University of Illinois.

Safeguarding the environment is an important part of Abbott's mission to improve people's health and the company's efforts to be a leader in global citizenship. Abbott has identified increased use of cleaner and renewable energy, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation and limiting the impact of product packaging as environmental priorities. The company has set measurable goals in each of these areas to track its progress. All of Abbott's various health care businesses are examining their manufacturing processes and needs, as well as their product packaging, to develop environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches to help the company meet or exceed these goals.

Abbott was recently named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for the fifth consecutive year. Abbott was one of just two U.S.-based companies in the pharmaceutical industry category to be listed on both indices. The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index ranks Abbott among the top 300 of the world's largest 2,500 companies, based on an assessment of economic, social and environmental performance.
About Abbott

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 72,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

— WebWireID106753 —

When: Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 11:30am PST

Speakers:
- Scott Paro, Marketing Manager, San Francisco Health Plan
-Janet Johnson, VP of Marketing, KC Distance Learning
-Chanin Ballance, President and CEO, viaLanguage

Summary: For healthcare organizations, attracting and supporting ethnic markets has quickly transformed from an 'add on consideration' to a powerful consumer group and strategic piece of the business model. The success of President Obama's broad-based and extremely diverse campaign tells us that the tipping point in our culture has already happened. What is necessary to harness the power of today's ethnic market? Short of having a dedicated ethnic marketing group, how can you incorporate best practices to your existing marketing infrastructure to ensure that your brand and content resonate across cultures?

In this webinar, you will walk away with tips and ideas for:

• Building your brand across cultures
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• How and when to incorporate cultural adaptation, copy creation, transcreation and translation
• Integrated marketing trends in Web and social media

Registration: To register for this free webinar visit: www.vialanguage.com/webinar-registration

Resources: Download parts I, II and III whitepapers visit: www.vialanguage.com/content/resource_center/webinars

•Save Time, Money, and Improve Quality with Translation Memory
•Effective LEP Communication: Avoiding the Top 10 Translation Traps
•Tapping Into the Latino Market in a Down Economy

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* Approval based on positive data showing Ilaris produced rapid and sustained remission of CAPS symptoms in up to 97% of patients[2]

* Ilaris is a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets and blocks interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), the trigger for inflammation and tissue damage in CAPS patients[1],[2],[3]

* Studies ongoing in groups of patients with other diseases involving IL-1ß such as COPD, type 2 diabetes and gout - one of the most painful forms of arthritis

Click here for multimedia content: http://www.novartis.com/newsroom/news/spotlight-ilaris-caps.shtml

Basel - The new biological medicine Ilaris® (canakinumab) has been approved in the European Union (EU) to treat adults and children as young as four years old with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), a rare life-long auto-inflammatory disease with debilitating symptoms and few treatment options[1],[2],[3].

The accelerated EU decision follows approvals in the US and Switzerland, where Ilaris was granted priority review in view of the significant unmet medical need. Ilaris is the only medicine approved in the EU for CAPS patients as young as four years old, and for patients with the most debilitating form of CAPS, neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID)[4]. It is a fully human monoclonal antibody given by injection under the skin once every two months - the longest dosing interval of any available treatment[2],[5],[6].

"We are excited by the latest approval because Ilaris represents a significant therapeutic advance for patients with this debilitating and sometimes fatal disease," said Joe Jimenez, CEO of the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Division. "Ilaris is the outcome of our pathways-driven search for innovative medicines that are tailored to the needs of patients. Initially we studied Ilaris in a very rare disease with a well-understood genetic profile, and now that its efficacy has been proven, we are able to move ahead rapidly with development in other diseases characterized by the same inflammatory process."

The regulatory submission was supported by data showing that Ilaris produced rapid and sustained remission of symptoms in up to 97% of CAPS patients, with most of them responding within hours of the first injection[2].

Ilaris, previously known as ACZ885, targets and normalizes the production of a protein within the immune system called interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß)[1],[3],[7]. In CAPS patients, IL-1ß is overproduced causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage[3],[8],[9]. Symptoms, such as debilitating fatigue, fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis, can be present from infancy and continue throughout the patient's life[2],[3].

If left untreated, CAPS may have serious consequences such as deafness, bone deformities, erosive joint destruction, and central nervous system damage leading to loss of vision[1],[2],[3]. Around 25% of patients develop amyloidosis, a condition in which the build-up of proteins can cause vital organs to fail, resulting in renal failure and requiring kidney transplantation. Approximately 20% of patients with NOMID, the most severe form of CAPS, die before reaching adulthood[2],[3],[10].

CAPS is believed to occur in around one in 2,500 people in the EU[3],[11], but fewer than 1,000 cases have been reported worldwide due to poor diagnosis[1],[3]. CAPS includes three distinct autoinflammatory disorders of increasing severity: familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome (FCAS), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS), and NOMID[2],[3]. Ilaris is the only treatment indicated in the EU and Switzerland to treat all three disorders[1],[4].

Studies with ACZ885 are ongoing in other diseases in which IL-1ß plays an important role, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), and gout - one of the most painful forms of arthritis. Not all potential patients with these diseases would be eligible for treatment with ACZ885, if approved.

The CAPS filing was based on a clinical trial program involving more than 100 patients. Data from a pivotal study published in The New England Journal of Medicine show that Ilaris produced a rapid, complete and sustained response in most patients[2]. None of the patients treated with Ilaris (0 out of 15) experienced a disease outbreak or 'flare' compared to 13 of the 16 patients who received placebo (0% vs. 81% respectively, p less than 0.001)[2].

"In CAPS studies, symptoms improved within 24 hours after patients received a single dose of Ilaris. The disease was barely detectable in the blood after two weeks and the remission of symptoms was sustained for six months," said Helen J. Lachmann, MD of the UK National Amyloidosis Centre at the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London, UK. "By effectively turning off the disease activity, Ilaris has the potential to transform patients' lives by offering long-term control of their disease."

Ilaris was generally well tolerated and there was no consistent pattern of adverse events apart from a slight increase in infections[2]. Two patients experienced serious adverse events, namely a lower urinary tract infection and vertigo[2]. The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, influenza, headache and nausea[2]. Ilaris was not associated with any severe injection-site reactions and those that did occur were classified as mild-to-moderate[2].

The EU approval was granted under exceptional circumstances, a common practice with so-called orphan drugs. This reflects a need for additional data due to factors such as the rarity of the disease or lack of scientific knowledge. The situation is reviewed every year until the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) is able to grant a normal approval.

In addition to its orphan drug status for CAPS, Ilaris has been designated as an orphan drug for treating SJIA, the most severe form of arthritis in children, in the US, EU and Switzerland, and has fast-track status for SJIA in the US. Orphan drugs are those developed to treat diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people (in the US)[12] or fewer than five out of 10,000 people (in the EU)[13].

Ilaris was approved in Switzerland in July 2009 to treat all three forms of CAPS in adults and children over four years old, and in the US in June 2009 to treat two forms of CAPS, namely FCAS and MWS, while a study in NOMID patients is under way. Priority reviews are ongoing in other countries including Australia, Brazil and Canada.

Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "potential," "long-term," or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential additional indications for Ilaris, or regarding potential future revenues from Ilaris. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results with Ilaris to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that Ilaris will be approved for any additional indication. Nor can there be any guarantee that Ilaris will achieve any levels of revenue in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding Ilaris could be affected by, among other things, unexpected clinical trial results, including unexpected new clinical data and unexpected additional analysis of existing clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection; competition in general; government, industry and general public pricing pressures; the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the values attributed to the Group's assets and liabilities as recorded in the Group's consolidated balance sheet, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis
Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in each of these areas. In 2008, the Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion and net income of USD 8.2 billion. Approximately USD 7.2 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 99,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

References
[1.] National Horizon Scanning Centre. Canakinumab for cryopyrin associated periodic syndrome. November 2008. Available at: http://www.pcpoh.bham.ac.uk/publichealth/horizon/outputs/documents/2008/sept-dec/Canakinumab.pdf Last accessed September 23, 2009.
[2.] Lachmann HJ, Kone-Paut I, Kuemmerle-Deschner JB, et al. Use of Canakinumab in the Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome. N Engl J Med 2009; 360: 2416 - 2425
[3.] Durrant KLW, Goldbach-Mansky R, Hoffman H, Leslie K, Rubin B. CAPS Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes 2008. Available at: http://www.nomidalliance.net/Download1.html. Last accessed September 23, 2009.
[4.] Ilaris (canakinumab) prescribing information.
[5.] Arcalyst (rilonacept) prescribing information.
[6.] Kineret (anakinra) prescribing information.
[7.] Kastner DL. Hereditary Periodic Fever Syndromes. Hematology 2005 - American Society of Hematology Education Program. 2005: 74-81. Available at: http://asheducationbook.hematologylibrary.org/cgi/reprint/2005/1/74
[8.] Joost PH, Drenth MD, Jos W.M. van der Meer. The Inflammasome - A Linebacker of Innate Defense. N Engl J Med 2006 355(7): 730-732.
[9.] Lachmann HJ, Lowe P, Felix SD, et al. In vivo regulation of interleukin 1 in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes. J Exp Med 2009. Published online April 13, 2009. Available at: www.jem.org/cgi/doi/10.1084/jem.20082481.
[10.] Prieur A-M. CINCA syndrome. October 2003. Orphanet. Available at: http://www.orpha.net/data/patho/Pro/en/CINCA-FRenPro3395.pdf Last accessed September 23, 2009.
[11.] European Medicines Agency (EMEA). Pre-authorisation evaluation of medicines for human use. Committee for orphan medicinal products. Available at: http://www.emea.europa.eu/pdfs/human/comp/opnion/17086808en.pdf. Last accessed September 23, 2009.
[12.] Orphan Drug Act. US Food and Drug Administration. Section 526 (2), Line 2.
[13.] The orphan drug strategy. Europa: Gateway to the European Union. Paragraph 1, Line 1.

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• Syngenta venture capital investment subsidiary created
• First direct equity investment in Metabolon, U.S. biotech company

Syngenta Ventures announced today that it has made an equity investment in Metabolon, a privately-held U.S. biotechnology company focused on the use of metabolomics in research and diagnostics. This is the first direct investment by Syngenta Ventures, Syngenta's newly-established corporate venture capital subsidiary.

'The creation of Syngenta Ventures will complement our in-house R&D work and enables us to be even more involved in promising technologies and innovative products with external partners,' said Robert Berendes, Head of Business Development at Syngenta. 'We need access to the best available new technologies in order to achieve the increase in agricultural output which will be vital over the coming years.'

Sandro Aruffo, Head of Research and Development at Syngenta, added: 'This investment follows a research collaboration with Metabolon which has existed for some years. We believe Metabolon's unique metabolomics platform will be an increasingly important technology for the development of innovative new products in the agriculture industry.'

Metabolomics provides mechanistic insight and biochemical markers for complex biological processes. This technology aims to accelerate the development of plants with innovative new native and genetically modified traits.

Syngenta Ventures will take a seat on the Board of Metabolon. The equity investment was made in the Series C financing of Metabolon which raised in total $12.3 million from a number of investors, including Syngenta Ventures. Financial details of the equity investment were not disclosed.

About Syngenta
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com

About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry's leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon's patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.

Syngenta Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.

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JENA/Germany, The new Z ALIGN assistance function by Carl Zeiss is to be used for the first time during
an operation at the Heppenheim Eye Clinic, Germany. Z ALIGN is a function of CALLISTO eye and a part of the ZEISS Toric Solution. This combined solution enables fast and reliable implantation of toric IOLs in patients with astigmatism and offers a higher level of safety due to integrated workflow.

Dr. Wolff, Heppenheim Eye Clinic:
"Thanks to Z ALIGN in future I will be able to supply toric IOLs to my patients with a high degree of accuracy, efficiency and safety. It will enable my team and myself to follow an optimum treatment sequence in everyday practice."

Z ALIGN is an innovation for the simple video-supported alignment of toric IOLs. Simple touch screen operation enables the surgeon to mark the necessary axes and accurately align the IOLs intraoperatively by video overlay. This is where Z ALIGN clearly differs from conventional methods and creates optimum conditions for a good refractive result. In addition, videos of the intraoperative procedure are automatically recorded for export.

Z ALIGN can be used in conjunction with almost any video camera used in the operating theatre. Furthermore, the system can easily be expanded to an OP planning system.

ZEISS Toric Solution
This combined solution enables fast and reliable implantation of toric IOLs in patients with astigmatism and offers greater safety due to integrated workflow. Starting with preoperative biometry, the IOLMaster as a gold standard assures high-precision results with completely contactless measurement. Subsequent to the biometric measurements, ZEISS toric IOLs can be calculated quite simply with the new Z CALC online calculator. The calculated, case-related results can be adjusted to the values for sphere and cylinder for outstanding refractive results. During the operation surgical microscopes
(e.g. OPMI Lumera family) support the implantation of toric IOLs such as AT LISA toric by displaying the most minute details and a brilliant Red Reflex. This intraocular lens is the only MICS IOL that can simultaneously correct sphere, cylinder and presbyopia. Finally, the innovative, video-supported Z ALIGN tool, a function of CALLISTO Eye, supports the surgeon in ensuring exact positioning of the toric IOL with an integral eye tracking system.

Further innovative solutions by Carl Zeiss which were recently unveiled at the two major ophthalmological congresses ESCRS and AAO:

* ZEISS Ophthalmic Data Management Solution—a fully integrated platform for data management which stores all diagnostic data, thus guaranteeing a paperless workflow in diagnosis and surgery.

* ZEISS Refractive Laser Solution—the most comprehensive application spectrum with integral data flow and patient treatment.

The new devices for diagnosis and surgery are geared to improving productivity, workflow and clinical results—three critical factors in today's health care services.

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