Every holiday season, millions of Americans travel through the nation's airports, seaports, and train stations to spend time with loved ones. Special holiday get-togethers – and traveling itself – bring people close together but also provide an ideal way for illness to spread. To help travelers avoid the flu this holiday season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today launched its largest ever public awareness campaign about staying healthy while traveling.

'The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year,' said Anne Schuchat, M.D., director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. 'People are in close contact – whether they're on a plane, train, ship or just visiting with loved ones. This campaign provides practical advice to help travelers prepare for their trips and stay healthy during their holiday travel.'

CDC is urging people to take the following steps when planning their travel and to stay informed about what to do if they get sick while they're gone, including:

* Traveling only when they are feeling well
* Getting vaccinated for flu (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 if they are in a priority group)
* Washing hands often
* Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve

'We know that flu – and specifically H1N1 this year – is a big concern for people, but flu shouldn't ruin the holidays,' Dr. Schuchat said. 'By practicing a little prevention, people can enjoy their holidays and stay well at the same time.'

CDC developed the campaign in response to the emergence in April of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Since then, flu has spread throughout the country and around the world. In the United States, it has accounted for millions of cases and more than 4,000 deaths since April.

CDC launched the campaign at a joint event with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today in Washington, D.C. The campaign will run through the holiday season and use a variety of media, including informational posters at major airports, ports of entry and border crossings; national radio and print advertising; and social media and online outreach. CDC will also partner with local health departments, travel professionals, health care professionals, and colleges and universities to further educate the public. Campaign themes include 'Prevention can be Travel-Sized' and 'Stop, Wash and Go.'

For more information about the CDC Travelers' Health campaign, recommendations regarding travel, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx. For more information about the H1N1 virus, visit http://www.flu.gov.

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HARTFORD, Conn., 'At the mall, after using the bathroom, some people put water on their hands and just leave. They don't really use soap. To me, that's disgusting. That's just not right.' Kids tell it like it is in a new video on preventing H1N1 virus infection. Ranging in age from 11 months to 13 years, young 'experts' share their unique perspective on preventing the spread of germs and staying healthy. You can find their advice on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g6OzM7X6mg or on Aetna's website at http://media1.aetna.com/wmedia/aet/web/novprevention.wvx. Aetna (NYSE: AET) is sharing the video widely in the hope that parents will watch it with their children, and that the video will reinforce public messages about how to keep our communities healthy.

'Aetna wanted a fun way to reinforce the message of how important it is to carefully wash your hands and follow common sense preventive measures in order to reduce the risk of H1N1 infection and help prevent the spread of disease,' said Bill Fried, MD, Aetna's medical director heading the company's pandemic flu response initiative. 'Kids listen to other kids. Adults should listen too. We've all heard the advice about washing your hands and covering your cough, but sometimes kids say it best. After all, who knows more about germs than kids?'

Advice from kids often comes with a twist, making it more memorable. Here's a recommendation you won't hear everywhere. 'If you cough onto someone, they can get sick. So cough into a tissue. Then throw it into the garbage and wait for the garbage truck to come.'
Or this reminder: 'If you sneeze into your hands and then grab the remote to change the channel, there are germs on the remote.'

While the video is lighthearted and endearing, the message is serious. A recent ABC News/Washington Post survey found nearly four in ten parents do not plan to have their children immunized with the H1N1 vaccine despite evidence the virus is having a bigger impact on the young than on other priority groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The poll numbers are also sobering for adults. Only 35 percent of U.S. adults indicated they plan to be vaccinated.

The CDC recommends that vaccination efforts should focus first on people in five target groups who are at higher risk for complications of H1N1 flu or who could transmit flu viruses to others at high risk. These groups include pregnant women, people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months, health care and emergency medical services personnel, people 6 months through 24 years of age, and people 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

In light of these facts, Aetna is continuing to reach out to members with information about the H1N1 flu, vaccine safety, and preventing infection. Aetna's website www.aetna.com provides fact sheets, Q&As, and tips on what to do if you get sick or are caring for someone who is sick. There is also a self-evaluation tool made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and developed in collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine that helps people understand their flu symptoms so they can make informed decisions about whether they need to see their doctor or even proceed to the nearest emergency room. All of the materials use plain language techniques to make them easy to understand.

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For the past three years Peter Veloz has guided UVDI as Co-Chairman of the Board. In his additional role as President and CEO, Mr. Veloz will oversee the company's strategic growth initiatives. Peter stated, 'I grew up in this industry and I'm passionate about continuing the vision for UVDI established by my father. The Veloz family has been associated with the UV and disinfection industries for over 60 years and I am honored to continue the tradition. I thank our employees, customers and partners for supporting UVDI as we further build upon our strong foundations of people, technology, products and community'

UVDI is a market leader in the application of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) technologies and is also known for its Sparks Technology™ molecular filtration products. UVDI is ISO 9001:2000 certified and conducts research, development and manufacturing at their 50,000 square foot facility in Valencia, California. UVDI's cutting edge technologies not only protect human health and the environment, but also reduce building energy consumption and maintenance costs. To learn more about UVDI please visit www.UVDI.com, email info@UVDI.com or call (877) 787-3882.

About UltraViolet Devices, Inc.
UVDI is a leading manufacturer and supplier of UV products for both air, surface and water disinfection. Under the ALTRU-V® brand, UVDI markets a full line of UV-C products for the HVACR market, providing the key benefits of reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance costs while delivering cleaner, healthier air. Sparks Technology™ advanced filtration brand provides bonded activated carbon and for use in commercial and industrial applications worldwide.

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* Data also show that Novartis MF59® adjuvant was well tolerated and could potentially quadruple the Novartis A(H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine supply

* MF59® adjuvant has an established safety profile supported by clinical data from more than 33,000 study participants and 12 years of real life safety data with more than 45 million doses of influenza vaccine administered since 1997 in Europe

Basel - Novartis announced today new interim data from ongoing clinical trials demonstrating that a single 7.5µg dose of the company's influenza A(H1N1) 2009 unadjuvanted vaccine, half of the currently-approved US dose, fulfilled immune response criteria associated with protection in adults and the elderly (mote than or equal 65 years of age).

The data also showed a single 3.75µg dose of MF59-adjuvanted A(H1N1) 2009 vaccine met serologic protection criteria against influenza A(H1N1) in children ages 3 to 8, adults ages 18 to 64, and the elderly. All A(H1N1) 2009 influenza study vaccines were manufactured using the Novartis established seasonal Fluvirin® manufacturing platform. Novartis has discussed these new data with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is performing additional statistical analysis suggested by the agency. It is still under evaluation whether the antigen content per dose can be reduced in the US.
Current US guidelines for A(H1N1) 2009 vaccine use state that adolescents, adults and the elderly are required to receive one 15µg dose to achieve adequate protective antibody levels against the A(H1N1) virus, and children 9 years of age and under are required to receive two 15µg doses four weeks apart.

"These promising data suggest that many more people could potentially be vaccinated with our current vaccines supply, protecting more people earlier against the current pandemic," said Andrin Oswald, CEO of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. "The data also confirms the antigen sparing potential of our proprietary adjuvant, MF59®. The vaccines output of our Liverpool, U.K., based flu manufacturing facility, fully dedicated to the US since the emergence of the pandemic, could be quadrupled if vaccines are adjuvanted."

These interim data were generated from pivotal clinical studies designed to evaluate the immunogenicity, safety and reactogenicity of both MF59-adjuvanted and unadjuvanted, inactivated novel swine origin A(H1N1) 2009 monovalent subunit influenza virus vaccine in 4,080 US subjects. In the pediatric trial, the findings are based on 80% of first dose data from 1,360 subjects ages 3 to 8 at day 22. In the adult trial, the findings are based on 95% of first dose data at day 1 and day 8 and approximately 40% of first dose data at day 22 from 1,360 adult subjects and 1,360 elderly subjects. Second dose data and data in ages 6-36 months of age are expected in December 2009.

About MF59

Novartis proprietary MF59 adjuvant has an established safety profile, supported by more than 12 years of clinical safety data and more than 45 million doses of commercial use in Europe. The adjuvant has been studied in clinical trials involving more than 33,000 people, including children, and has been licensed for use in people 65 years of age and over in the seasonal influenza vaccine Fluad® since 1997 in the European Union. Novartis also produces two A(H1N1) vaccines, Focetria® and Celtura®, which contain MF59 and are available outside the US. Currently, there are no approved vaccines in the United States that contain MF59.

Novartis has been contracted by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to produce 90 million doses of MF59 by the end of November.[1]

About A(H1N1) 2009 Vaccine

Novartis influenza A(H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine, manufactured using the established seasonal Fluvirin platform, is an inactivated influenza virus egg-derived vaccine indicated for active immunization of persons 4 years of age and older against influenza disease caused by pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 virus. The vaccine was approved by the FDA on September 15, 2009 as an unadjuvanted 15µg dose.

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "may," "suggest," "could," "potentially," "promising," "potential," "expected," or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding regarding potential additional marketing approvals for Novartis' A(H1N1) vaccines and adjuvants, potential new indications or labeling for Novartis' A(H1N1) vaccines and adjuvants, potential future deliveries of influenza vaccines and adjuvants, or regarding potential future revenues from Novartis' A(H1N1) vaccines and adjuvants. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of management regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results with Novartis' A(H1N1) vaccines and adjuvants to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Novartis' A(H1N1) vaccines will achieve any additional marketing approvals. Nor can there be any guarantee that Novartis' A(H1N1) vaccines and adjuvants will be approved for any additional indications or labeling in any market. Nor can there be any guarantee that Novartis will successfully meet its delivery obligations for its A(H1N1) vaccines and adjuvants. Neither can there be any guarantee that Novartis' A(H1N1) vaccines and adjuvants will achieve any particular levels of revenue in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding Novartis' A(H1N1) vaccines and adjuvants could be affected by, among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; unexpected manufacturing difficulties or delays, including continued unexpected difficulties with seed virus yields, and unexpected difficulties with our flu cell culture manufacturing facility and processes; 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.

References
[1] This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract No. HHS100200800072I.

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First emerging in racing Greyhounds, Canine Influenza A, H3N8, is now present in 30 states, with a constant enzootic presence in east coast regions such as New York, New Jersey, and Florida.

The disease shows up 2 to 4 days post exposure and prominent symptoms include cough, sneezing, runny nose, and sometimes fever. Almost all dogs make a full recovery, but about 10% have respiratory complications such as pneumonia, and about 5% of cases are fatal. The illness can last 2-3 weeks or longer.

In May 2009 the USDA approved the first Canine Influenza vaccine.

According to K. Paul Rumble, DVM, Director of Pond Point Animal Hospital in Milford, CT, 'Canine Influenza is highly contagious, with dogs in close groups at the most risk. Shelters, kennels, grooming parlors, dog day care and play groups are all hot beds for flu transmission. Show dogs, racing greyhounds, and pet shop dogs are more at risk than the average companion animal. Diabetic and older dogs are at much greater risk for fatal complications of the flu.'

Dr. Rumble continued, 'We offer the Canine Influenza vaccine at Pond Point Animal Hospital in Milford. The vaccine is very well tolerated and reduces both the length and severity of illness when dogs are exposed. This is especially important for older dogs, those in group settings, or with chronic health problems that make complications like pneumonia especially dangerous.'

Treatment of Canine Influenza is symptomatic including rest, providing lots of fluid, and sometimes treatment with antibiotics, steroids, and IV fluids for infections and complications. Shortness of breath and high fever are serious symptoms that can require veterinary intensive care.

About the Practice

Founded in 1973, Pond Point Animal Hospital in Milford CT specializes in veterinary services for companion animals. With a focus on preventive pet health care, Pond Point offers routine exams, vaccinations, hospitalization, drop off services, boarding, emergency care, dentistry and geriatric medicine for dogs and cats.

For more information, visit www.pondpoint.com, call (203) 878-4646, or email the practice at ppah@pondpoint.com. Serving Milford, Orange, Stratford, West Haven, and surrounding Connecticut towns.

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The United States Department of Health and Human Services has placed an order to fill 7.6 million doses of unadjuvanted H1N1 pandemic vaccine from GSK, which will contribute to the approximately 250 million doses secured by the US government. The vaccine will be produced in multi-dose vials from bulk vaccine manufactured at GSK's facility in Quebec, Canada. GSK expects to begin shipping vaccine in December and to provide all 7.6 million doses by the end of the year.

Globally, GSK manufactures both adjuvanted and unadjuvanted vaccines to protect against pandemic H1N1 influenza. GSK will supply a vaccine containing a standard dose (15 ug) of inactive influenza virus antigens without an adjuvant for use in the United States. Clinical trials for both GSK's adjuvanted and unadjuvanted vaccines are ongoing in North America, Europe and Japan.

Further information on GSK's development of vaccines to protect against pandemic H1N1 influenza, including explanation of the vaccine development process is available on: www.gsk.com/media/pandemic-flu.htm

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

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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Washington, D.C. - As the nation heeds the significance of President Obama's declaration of a national emergency to deal with the H1N1 flu, educators are bracing for the possibility of widespread impact on student learning as a result of the virus. National Geographic Channel (NGC) and National Geographic School Publishing (NGSP) are responding to the urgent call of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to provide continuity of learning to keep students, sick or well, engaged in meaningful education activities if they are kept home during flu season. To help address the needs of students who will be impacted, NGC and NGSP today announced the launch of a special programming block and free education resources that will be made available during what is expected to be peak flu season.

Beginning November 16, NGC will air two-hour programming blocks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, weekdays, over a six-week period, as well as provide select programs available anytime online at www.natgeotv.com/education. All programs in this educational block will be complemented with free Web-based activity guides and resources provided by NGSP via a special "continuity of learning" portal, National Geographic Home Zone (www.NGSP.com/homezone). The G-rated programming will be culled from the network's award-winning specials and ongoing series, including Explorer, Naked Science and Wild Spaces, while the educational materials will be suitable for elementary, middle school and high school students, applicable to science, social studies and other disciplines. The intent is to provide students who are absent from school with opportunities to engage in a relevant learning experience.

Commenting on this announcement, John Fahey, president and CEO of National Geographic, said, "This effort underscores the commitment of National Geographic to partner with educators and parents, and is totally consistent with our mission of inspiring people to care about the planet. The National Geographic Channel and our school publishing unit are in a unique position to bring relevant learning resources into homes during the flu season. We hope students of all ages will both enjoy and benefit from the wonderfully engaging programs and related materials being offered."

National Geographic Channel is the only media company stepping up to provide specific resources to support this education initiative. Commenting on the activities, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, "The H1N1 flu and the flu season in general may well impact the health and learning experience of millions of students. We appreciate the extraordinary measures that National Geographic has set in place to support the continuity of learning initiative. Efforts like these will help ameliorate the intensity of a potential crisis, and help ensure that the learning process continues."

National Geographic Channel
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is a joint venture between National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and Fox Cable Networks (FCN). Since launching in January 2001, NGC initially earned some of the fastest distribution growth in the history of cable and more recently the fastest ratings growth in television. The network celebrated its fifth anniversary in January 2006 with the launch of NGC HD, which provides the spectacular imagery that National Geographic is known for in stunning high-definition. NGC has carriage with all of the nation's major cable and satellite television providers, making it currently available in nearly 70 million homes. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.

National Geographic School Publishing
National Geographic School Publishing provides quality PreK-12 instructional materials, including resources for emergent and early literacy, reading/language arts, ESL/ELD, science, social studies and content literacy development. Our National Geographic and Hampton-Brown brands include award-winning educational programs that deliver the high-interest content that you've come to know and expect from National Geographic. For more information, please visit ngsp.com.

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'GSK is committed to supporting governments and health authorities around the world in their efforts to protect their populations against this pandemic. Our commitment recognises the needs of developing countries, and this donation of 50 million doses will enable vaccination to begin soon in some of the world's poorest countries.' said Andrew Witty, CEO, GlaxoSmithKline.

"We welcome this very generous donation by GlaxoSmithKline, which will go to protect the health of the world's poorest people. This is a real gesture of global solidarity towards those who would not be otherwise able to have access to the vaccine," said Dr. Margaret Chan, Director–General, WHO. "WHO will now work to see that these vaccines are distributed to those who need them."

In addition to this agreement on vaccines, GSK continues to have discussions with WHO about a donation of its antiviral medicine, Relenza. A tiered-pricing policy based on World Bank classification of countries is also in effect for this antiviral medicine, and the company is making Relenza Rotacaps and Diskhaler available at not-for-profit prices to the world's 50 least developed countries.

GSK is committed to facilitating equitable access to all these interventions to all countries. The company strongly endorses the principles set out by the Gates Foundation to help guide global allocation of pandemic vaccines and reiterates that the global community should take all steps necessary to protect all populations, including those without resources to protect themselves.

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

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.

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.

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The data from this study confirm previously reported results in an elderly population, which showed that the immune response elicited by Pandemrix exceeded the immunogenicity criteria as defined by international licensing authorities for a pandemic influenza vaccine. Additionally the subjects in this trial also demonstrated a strong immune response to the seasonal influenza vaccine, again exceeding the three immunogenicity criteria as defined by international licensing authorities for a seasonal trivalent vaccine.

"These results provide key information to public health organisations. These new data on the co-administration of both the seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines could help simplify the influenza vaccination programmes that countries are now starting to initiate,' said Jean Stéphenne, President of GSK Biologicals. 'This provides the valuable insight into vaccination in this specific age group that generally benefits from the annual seasonal vaccination.'

In this trial, 89.3% of the subjects receiving both vaccines at the same time demonstrated a response for the H1N1 virus that was above the regulatory threshold of 1:40 seroprotection, which is considered indicative of protection. The immune response for the seasonal vaccine exceeded the regulatory threshold defined by international licensing authorities for registration of the seasonal influenza vaccine each year (69.0%, 78.6% and 100% for A/Brisbane (H1N1), A/Uruguay (H3N2) and B/Brisbane respectively). The annual seasonal influenza vaccine contains 3 strains of influenza identified by public health organisations in advance of an upcoming influenza season. For the Northern Hemisphere 2009 / 2010 influenza season the composition of the seasonal influenza vaccine was determined before the appearance of the pandemic H1N1 strain.

The tolerability of the vaccine in this study was shown to be in line with that observed in the previously EMEA approved H5N1 adjuvanted vaccine as well as in the pandemic H1N1 trials to date. Local reactions such as pain, redness, and swelling at the site of injection were observed in this trial. General reactions such as fatigue, low grade fever, headache, and muscle ache were also observed in this trial, and were similar between the group that received both vaccines at the same time to those in a comparison group receiving the adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine with co-administration of a placebo injection.

Further information on GSK's development of a vaccine to protect against pandemic 2009, including explanation of the vaccine development process and background information on adjuvants is available on: www.gsk.com/media/pandemic-flu.htm

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

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.

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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'Once a home has gone into foreclosure it is normal for the water and electrical services to be disconnected,' reported Jeanette Kurtz, Executive Vice President for Global Prevention Services, a leading mold remediation and prevention provider. 'These homes are often left abandoned for months at a time with no air circulation leading to elevated humidity and stagnant air that create all types of problems that can lead to mold situations,' Kurtz continued.

Other common problems in these properties leading to microbial growth include garbage and food products left in the home, broken sump pumps, open or broken windows and just overall neglect. These foreclosure problems are not exclusive to single family homes. Many once booming condo projects now sit half empty and a microbial problem in one unit that shares walls and ceilings with surrounding units can have a dramatic negative effect on the neighboring units.

The banks that eventually end up owning these properties have been inundated and overwhelmed in many cases with the sheer volume of homes they now have on their books. Many of these homes are now being sold 'as is' by the banks to new homeowners who may not understand the dangers associated with mold contamination and the indoor air quality (IAQ) health issues they can cause.

Global Prevention Services, one of the nation's largest mold remediation and prevention service providers, has been busy utilizing their PureSpace® Process to help REALTORS®, homeowners, property managers and lenders bring these properties back to healthy conditions.

To learn more about how the GPS® Network can remediate or prevent mold growth in your property, home or business please contact Global Prevention Services at 877.NoMold5, email info@NoMold.com or visit www.NoMold.com. In most cases a free consultation is available.

About Global Prevention Services
Global Prevention Services has been on the forefront of treating buildings with microbial problems and providing preventive mold solutions to residential and commercial facilities. The company currently has relationships with insurance companies, government agencies, school districts, national property management companies and major commercial and residential builders to provide proven and guaranteed solutions.

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Infectious Diseases Prevention Experts Say Current Guidelines Are Not Supported By Science; Could Have Dangerous Consequences for Patients and Healthcare Workers

(Arlington, VA)--Three leading scientific organizations specializing in infectious diseases prevention issued a letter to President Obama today expressing their significant concern with current federal guidance concerning the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers in treating suspected or confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) urged the administration to modify the guidance and issue an immediate moratorium on Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) enforcement of the current requirements.

Federal PPE guidance and requirements issued recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and OSHA include the use of fit-tested N95 respirators by healthcare workers rather than the use of standard surgical masks. According to these organizations--representing scientists, infectious disease specialists and healthcare professionals dedicated to healthcare quality, safety and infection control--this guidance does not reflect the best available scientific evidence. Their letter to the White House cited two recent studies demonstrating that the use of N95 respirators does not offer additional protection over that provided by the use of surgical masks.

Mark Rupp, MD, president of SHEA called the current requirements 'deeply flawed' and expressed his concern over the 'potential for considerable untoward consequences' that could result from the guidance. Among the consequences, Rupp cited significant confusion among healthcare professionals and administrators and the potential for further limiting the availability of the already scarce respirators in situations where they are truly warranted.

'During a time of a national emergency, healthcare professionals need clear, practical and evidence-based guidance from the government,' said Richard Whitley MD, president of IDSA. 'The current guidance is not supported by the best-available science and only serves to create skepticism toward federal public and occupational health decision-making.'

'The supply of N95 respirators is rapidly being depleted in our healthcare facilities,' said APIC 2009 President Christine Nutty, RN, MSN, CIC. 'We are concerned that there won't be an adequate supply to protect healthcare workers when TB patients enter the healthcare system.'

The organizations have provided input to federal agencies including the CDC regarding the handling of 2009 H1N1 influenza in the past and say they stand ready to continue to lend their knowledge and expertise as the pandemic advances.

###

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) was founded in 1980 to advance the application of the science of healthcare epidemiology. SHEA comprises 1,700 physicians, infection control practitioners, and other healthcare professionals who are dedicated to maintaining the utmost quality of patient care and healthcare worker safety in all healthcare settings. The Society continually strives toward better patient outcomes by applying epidemiologic principles and prevention strategies to healthcare-associated infections and a wide range of quality-of-care issues. SHEA achieves its mission through education, research, evidence-based guidance development, and public policy.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) represents more than 9,000 infectious diseases physicians and scientists devoted to patient care, education, research, and public health. Our members care for patients with serious infections, including antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections, meningitis, pneumonia, surgical infections, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and influenza.

Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) APIC's mission is to improve health and patient safety by reducing risks of infection and other adverse outcomes. The Association's more than 12,000 members direct infection prevention programs that save lives and improve the bottom line for hospitals and other healthcare facilities around the globe. APIC strives to promote a culture within healthcare where targeting zero healthcare-associated infections is fully embraced. The organization advances its mission through education, research, collaboration, practice guidance, public policy and credentialing.

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London UK - The World Health Organization (WHO) has awarded prequalification for global use of Synflorix™ , GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals' pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This is the first prequalification for a vaccine against pneumococcal disease, which is a life-threatening disease affecting many children under five in developing countries. The WHO prequalification allows UN agencies to purchase vaccines on behalf of developing countries and will accelerate global access to Synflorix™. This endorsement comes less than a year after the vaccine's first licensure and just a few days after the First World Pneumonia Day, marked on November 2.

'GSK developed Synflorix™to offer protection against pneumococcal disease to children all over the world," said Jean Stéphenne, CEO of GSK Biologicals. 'The vaccine helps protect against 10 strains of the pneumococcal bacterium and can make a lasting public health impact in developing countries, where the disease burden is greatest. GSK is especially proud to be the first company to receive prequalification for a pneumococcal vaccine that can save so many lives and dramatically alter the world's fight against pneumonia."

The WHO awarded prequalification for global use of a one-dose vial presentation of Synflorix™. GSK is working closely with the WHO to review a file for the prequalification of a two-dose vial, a presentation that could make more efficient use of limited refrigeration space in low-resource settings.

Among the 10 pneumococcal strains for which Synflorix™ offers protection, three – 1, 5 and 7F – are common in developing countries and are not currently prevented by the widely available pneumococcal vaccines. These strains must be addressed to significantly help reduce the global burden of pneumococcal disease, which results in nearly one million children fatalities in developing countries each year.

The WHO prequalification process began in early 2008, when GSK submitted for this prequalification within weeks of filing for approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). To receive WHO approval, new vaccines must demonstrate clinical impact in relevant settings and meet high international production standards. Before approval is granted, the WHO conducts quality assurance tests on individual vaccine batches, inspects manufacturing sites and consults closely with the relevant regulatory agency where the vaccine will be manufactured, in this case, the EMEA.

'Today's WHO prequalification of Synflorix™ is an important step towards universal access to life-saving pneumococcal vaccines for children everywhere,' said Orin Levine, Executive Director of PneumoADIP at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 'Now, suppliers, international agencies, donors, and local governments must assure that these vaccines reach the children who need them most.'

GSK currently manufactures Synflorix™at its plant in Belgium. In June 2009, GSK opened a new $411 million plant in Singapore, which will have the capacity to meet the need for pneumococcal vaccines in global markets in the coming years.

Today's WHO endorsement of Synflorix™ continues GSK's track record of seeking WHO prequalification for its life-saving vaccines. GSK was also awarded prequalification for Cervarix®, its cervical cancer vaccine, in July 2009 and received an extended prequalification for Rotarix™, a vaccine against rotavirus, in June 2009. Together, these three endorsements will provide access to vaccines for major global health threats and save millions of lives over the coming years.

About Synflorix™

GSK's Synflorix™ is a complex 10-valent conjugate vaccine which was developed to protect children from invasive pneumococcal disease and acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, and is licensed for children and infants aged 6 weeks to 2 years. The vaccine is expected to protect against an estimated 80 percent of invasive pneumococcal disease in children younger than five worldwide, including strains 1, 5 and 7F, which account for 3-23 percent of invasive pneumococcal diseases globally. The non-profit PneumoADIP estimates that widespread pneumo vaccination could save more than 5.4 million lives by 2030.

Synflorix is a complex conjugate vaccine that requires nearly 18 months to manufacture. The complexity of Synflorix™ stems from the innovative conjugation process used to manufacture the vaccine. During the production process, the vaccine's ten 'valents' – all of which help protect against a different strain of pneumococcal disease – are produced separately and then attached to individual 'carriers'. The main carrier is a protein derived from non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). In turn, these carriers help stimulate immune responses to the ten strains of pneumococcal disease that Synflorix protects against.

The clinical development programme of Synflorix™ has spanned four continents, with more than 100,000 doses administered to date. Clinical trials have demonstrated the vaccine has an acceptable safety profile and immunogenicity level when vaccinating infants both pre- and full-term. Synflorix™ was approved by the European Medicines Agency in March 2009. The vaccine is currently approved in more than 40countries.

About GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals

GlaxoSmithKline—one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies—is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information, please visit www.gsk.com/media.

GSK Biologicals is headquartered in Rixensart, Belgium, where the majority of GlaxoSmithKline's activities in the field of vaccine research, development and production are conducted. In 2008, GSK Bio distributed more than 1.1 billion doses of vaccines to 176 countries. Close to 80 percent of these doses were distributed in developing countries.

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.

— WebWireID107242 —

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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Patients hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 influenza are evaluated to determine if antiviral drugs will be useful; some patients are not able to take the drugs that are currently available as pills or liquid and may benefit from intravenous antiviral medications.

To help meet the potential need for IV medications to combat the H1N1 virus, HHS ordered 10,000 treatment courses each from BioCryst, Roche and GlaxoSmithKline, totaling $31.5 million. The contracts allow HHS to place additional orders of up to 30,000 treatment courses with each manufacturer over two years. Roche manufactures Tamiflu; GlaxoSmithKline, Relenza, and BioCryst manufactures Peramivir.

Because there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antiviral medications that can be administered intravenously to treat influenza, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization on Oct. 23 to allow use of intravenous Peramivir, an investigational antiviral drug in the class of drugs known as neuraminidase inhibitors.

The HHS orders for intravenous oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and intravenous zanamivir (Relenza), also neuraminidase inhibitors, are predicated on FDA emergency use authorization for these medications.

FDA has not issued emergency use authorization authorizing the use of intravenous Tamiflu or Relenza. Orders for Tamiflu and Relenza are based on anticipated need of emergency use authorizations for additional IV drugs in the future. Tamiflu and Relenza are FDA-approved in the form of pills or liquid, and studies are ongoing into the use of these two drugs intravenously for hospitalized H1N1 flu patients.

The emergency use authorization for IV Peramivir allowed doctors to prescribe the drug to treat certain adults and children hospitalized with confirmed or suspected 2009 H1N1 infections. Specifically, IV Peramivir is authorized only for hospitalized adult and pediatric patients for whom therapy with an IV drug is clinically appropriate.

To authorize emergency use of any product, the FDA commissioner must determine that in an emergency, based on the totality of scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that the product may be effective in diagnosing, treating, or preventing the serious or life threatening disease or condition; that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks of the product in the emergency situation, and that there is no adequate, approved, and available alternative to the product for diagnosing, preventing, or treating such serious or life threatening disease or condition.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) will manage the contracts. BARDA supported the advanced development of IV Peramivir beginning in 2007 as part of a larger HHS initiative to develop promising new influenza medications and vaccines.

For more information on the emergency use of IV Peramivir authorized by FDA, including information for health care providers on patient eligibility, see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/eua/. Healthcare providers can also call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). Additional information about BARDA contracts is available at https://www.medicalcountermeasures.gov/announcements.aspx

— WebWireID107185 —

Pasadena, CA

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. each year due to Legionnaires' disease. This number may be just the tip of the iceberg as it is believed by many experts that most cases are not diagnosed or reported.

The disease caused by Legionella, Legionnaires' disease, got its name after a 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia that sickened 221 people and caused 34 deaths. There is a milder form of the illness, known as Pontiac Fever, whose symptoms typically diminish and clear up without treatment.

The transmission of Legionella occurs via aerosols, when mist containing the bacteria is inhaled. Legionella can be found in nature in environments such as lakes and streams, but most human infections occur from manmade sources involving cooling towers or hot water systems.

Those infected by Legionella may take up to two weeks before they begin to show symptoms. Early on it may manifest its presence with flu-like and fever symptoms which can escalate into problems with nausea, nervous system issues and pneumonia. The CDC reports that 5% to 30% of cases can cause death.

As one of the largest environmental laboratories in the country, and an expert resource for Legionella analysis, EMSL Analytical and its affiliate LA Testing have developed a number of ongoing initiatives to educate environmental professionals and the general public about the organism that causes the disease. A dedicated website with more information can be found at www.LegionellaTesting.com.

'The collective expertise that EMSL and LA Testing have created over the years developing testing procedures for Legionella has made the company a rich source of information,' reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. To learn more about Legionella and other environmental services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID107064 —

NAIROBI, KENYA.- A pivotal efficacy trial of RTS,S, the world's most clinically advanced malaria vaccine candidate, is now underway in seven African countries: Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. The trial, which is expected to involve up to 16,000 children, is on schedule, with more than 5,000 children already enrolled, researchers announced Tuesday at the 5th Multilateral Initiative on Malaria Pan-African Malaria Conference.

Developing a vaccine against malaria, a scientific challenge for decades, is critical to defeating the disease. A vaccine would complement existing interventions, such as bed nets and effective drug therapies. GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals' (GSK Bio) RTS,S is the first malaria vaccine candidate to demonstrate significant efficacy during early development to warrant Phase III testing. It is the leading vaccine candidate in the global effort by the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) to develop a malaria vaccine.

'A malaria vaccine could help save countless lives and redefine the future for Africa's children,' said Dr. Patricia Njuguna, RTS,S principal investigator (KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Kilifi, Kenya) and chair of the Clinical Trials Partnership Committee, a collaboration of African research institutions, MVI, and GSK Bio that is leading the clinical development of RTS,S. 'Communities all across Africa are dedicated to this future and are participating to ensure that we develop a vaccine with an acceptable safety and efficacy profile.'

RTS,S is the first vaccine designed primarily for use in Africa, where malaria kills more than 800,000 people every year, the majority of them children under the age of five. By conducting the trial in seven different countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers will be able to evaluate the vaccine candidate's efficacy in a variety of settings, with diverse patterns of malaria transmission. For example, some trial sites are located in areas where there is a year-round threat of malaria, while others experience only seasonal transmission.

All of the research centers were chosen for their track record of world-class clinical research, strong community relations and commitment to meeting the highest international ethical, medical, clinical and regulatory standards.

'This is a tremendous moment in the fight against malaria and the culmination of more than two decades of research, including 10 years of clinical trials in Africa,' said Dr. Joe Cohen, co-inventor of RTS,S and Vice President of R&D, Vaccines for Emerging Diseases and HIV, at GSK Biologicals. 'The Phase III trial is a huge undertaking that depends on effective coordination between researchers, regulators, families and communities. Everyone involved has invested significant energy and resources to pave the way for what could become the world's first malaria vaccine.'

Recent Phase II studies showed that RTS,S reduced clinical episodes of malaria by 53 percent over an eight-month follow-up period. Findings from a Phase II trial initiated in 2002 and conducted with more than 2,000 children in southern Mozambique, published in the medical journal The Lancet in2004 and 2005, showed that RTS,S was efficacious for at least 18 months in reducing clinical malaria by 35 percent, and severe malaria by 49 percent.[i] , [ii] In addition, RTS,S was shown to have a promising safety and tolerability profile when used alongside the World Health Organization's (WHO) standard infant vaccines.

"This historic trial could lead to the availability of a vaccine with the potential to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of African children, if the data are positive," said Dr. Christian Loucq, director of the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative. 'But development is only half the mission; MVI and its partners are committed to ensuring this vaccine reaches those who need it most. We hope the international community will respond by starting to prepare for the day when—if all goes well—this vaccine will be available for distribution and use.'

The Phase III trial

The Phase III trial will evaluate the vaccine's efficacy in two groups of children. One group, aged 6 to 12 weeks, will be vaccinated as part of their regular schedule of infant immunizations; the second group includes children aged 5 to 17 months. The vaccine profile is intended primarily for infants, as they and children under the age of five are the most vulnerable to malaria.

'This is the largest trial ever conducted in Africa of a vaccine specifically designed for use with African children. We have great appreciation for the families and children participating,' said Dr. Salim Abdulla, director of the Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania, which is participating in the Phase III trial. 'Development of RTS,S across Africa has strengthened our research capacity, a legacy that will far outlast the trials.'

Each country hosting a study site has undertaken independent reviews to ensure the trial meets national safety, ethical and legal standards for medical research. In addition, an independent data and safety monitoring board oversees the entire trial with support from local safety monitors. The trial has been designed in consultation with appropriate regulatory authorities in the European Union, the United States and African countries, in conjunction with the WHO

Looking ahead

If the Phase III program progresses as expected, RTS,S could be submitted for regulatory review under Article 58 as early as 2012. Article 58 is a special review procedure that allows the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), in close collaboration with the WHO, to issue a scientific opinion regarding the quality, the efficacy and the safety of a medical product that is intended for use exclusively outside the European Union.

Under current plans, the RTS,S vaccine candidate would be submitted to regulatory authorities in 2012 based on efficacy in children 5-17 months of age. Additional safety and immunogenicity data from the infant population will be submitted soon thereafter, followed by efficacy data for infants once available. Depending on the final clinical profile of the vaccine and the timetable of the regulatory review process, the first vaccine introduction could take place over the next three to five years.

'GSK's approach is to make every effort possible to accelerate the availability of this life-saving vaccine,' said Mr. Jean Stéphenne, President and General Manager, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals. 'Ever conscious of the burden of malaria, we have no time to lose and we will exhaust every avenue at our disposal. This is our commitment as a company.'

MVI, the WHO and US Agency for International Development developed the Malaria Vaccine Decision-Making Framework to help countries prepare to make decisions related to future adoption of a malaria vaccine and thereby avoid unnecessary delay between the recommendation for use of a vaccine and its availability in low-income countries. GSK and MVI are already working with malaria-affected countries and international institutions to ensure that, if successful, a malaria vaccine will be readily available and affordable to those who need it most.

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HARTFORD, Conn. — Aetna (NYSE: AET) is providing free electronic roster billing for pharmacies and other non-traditional providers to use when submitting claims for the administration of the H1N1 flu vaccine. Health plan members receive coverage for H1N1 immunizations under their medical benefit, not as part of their pharmacy coverage, and typically, pharmacies are not able to bill for medical services. However, with 'mass immunizers' including pharmacies, community centers, and health clinics now authorized to administer the H1N1 vaccine, Aetna has adjusted its claims processing and payment policies to accept claims for the administration of the H1N1 vaccine from these providers and facilitate the prompt and accurate payment of these claims.

'Accepting roster billing is yet another example of Aetna's continuing efforts to remove barriers to vaccination for our members, and eliminate administrative complexity that could hinder access,' said Bill Fried, MD, Aetna's medical director heading the company's pandemic flu response initiative. 'Our goal is to support members by being flexible so they can obtain the H1N1 vaccine at a convenient location. Likewise, we are extending this flexibility to the health care professionals who are taking on the task of administering the vaccine to our members as part of the national effort to respond to the H1N1 flu pandemic.'

Roster billing is a simplified process that makes it easier for mass immunizers to bill health plans in bulk by submitting a single claim with a list of health plan members they have immunized, rather than filling out separate paperwork for each individual they vaccinate. Aetna has contracted with ZirMed® to provide electronic roster billing for administration of the H1N1 vaccine. Providers will access ZirMed's website to enroll in the program, download the Excel template roster bill, and then upload the completed rosters electronically. Pharmacies that already have a process in place with a vendor to file individual electronic medical claims may continue to do so. Providers who are unable to submit H1N1 vaccine administration claims electronically can print a paper copy of the roster bill and mail it to Aetna. Aetna has established a dedicated P.O. Box to accept paper billing rosters for the H1N1vaccinations.
Additional information on how providers can bill Aetna for administration of the H1N1 vaccine is available on the fact sheet posted on the healthcare professionals section of Aetna's website.
http://www.aetna.com/pharmacy-insurance/healthcare-professional/H1N1_billing.html

Aetna Offers Free CME Courses on Flu Preparedness
Aetna is offering physicians a free CME course that provides information and resources to help prepare for the pandemic flu or similar health crisis. The CME for physicians entitled "Pandemic Flu: Aware and Prepared CME" is a one-hour course. The course is available online at AetnaEducation.com, Aetna's education site designed specifically for health care professionals.

Physicians who complete the course can earn one category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. All other health care professionals, including office staff, who complete the course will earn a non-physician certificate.

Aetna Continues to Reach out to Members to Encourage Vaccination
Aetna continues to expand its educational resources for health plan members. Updated information on its public website includes a new H1N1 Self Evaluation tool made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and developed in collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine. http://www.flu.gov/evaluation/ This tool helps members understand their flu symptoms so they can make informed decisions about whether they need to see their doctor or even proceed to the nearest emergency room. Aetna's DocFind search tool now includes information on flu shot clinics.

In addition, Aetna is taking the extra step of proactively identifying members who may fall into the categories of 'priority individuals' defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

'Aetna is using the CareEngine® to identify and reach out to members who fall into several of the CDC's H1N1 vaccine 'priority' categories, including those who are younger than 65 years of age with chronic disease, persons 6 months to 24 years of age, and women who are pregnant,' Fried explained. 'Because members in these groups are at higher risk of complications from the H1N1 virus, Care Considerations will be posted to their secure and confidential Personal Health Record with information on H1N1 flu, their specific risk factors, and the suggestion that they speak with their physician about the vaccine.'

Personal Health Records compile an individual's health information gathered from across the health care spectrum, including physician offices, laboratories, diagnostic treatments and pharmacies. Aetna's CareEngine automatically checks this information against clinical guidelines searching for patient safety issues or potential gaps in care. If the CareEngine finds an opportunity to improve care, the member will receive a Care Consideration alerting them to
that information. The CareEngine and Aetna Personal Health Record are available to members of most of Aetna's fully insured plans and many self-funded plans.

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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.

— WebWireID107009 —

Sneeze into your sleeve, wash your hands and 'keep you fingers outta your eyes, mouth and nose, cuz that the places H1N1 goes,' DocRock sings in the 30-second H1N1 Rap video. And while the lyrics and tune are catchy and fun, the message is very serious.

'According to the Centers for Disease Control, H1N1 is going to sicken millions this flu season, and kids need to know how to protect themselves,' said Dr. Jeffrey Kang, chief medical officer for CIGNA. 'Several studies have shown that music helps children learn better than many other forms of teaching, so DocRock's H1N1 Rap is a powerful tool to get the message to stick with kids. This video gives the H1N1 Rap even more power.'

Dr. Seibel is a board-certified physician who teaches at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. As DocRock, he is an award-winning composer and performer of songs that help teach kids healthy behaviors through his HealthRock program.

'If you can sing about a health issue, you can talk about it, and talking about it helps change behavior. Getting kids to sing about steps to avoid H1N1 helps them follow those steps,' Dr. Seibel said. 'I'm happy to team with CIGNA to get this video made so we can help kids avoid getting H1N1 and the regular seasonal flu too.'

Along with DocRock's H1N1 Rap, people will find more health information on www.youtube.com/cignatv including 'Healthful Tips,' lessons on how health care works, how to get the most from a person's health care benefits, and more.

— WebWireID106872 —