The rigors of medical training sharpen a doctor's ability to diagnose and treat a wide variety of human afflictions. However, drug abuse and addiction are often insufficiently covered in medical school curricula, despite the fact that drug use affects a wide range of health conditions and drug abuse and addiction are themselves major public health issues.

To improve drug abuse and addiction training of future physicians, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, today unveiled a series of new teaching tools, through its Centers of Excellence for Physician Information Program (NIDA CoEs), at the Association of American Medical Colleges 2009 Annual Meeting's "Innovations in Medical Education" Exhibit in Boston.

The new NIDA CoE curriculum resources provide scientifically accurate information on substance abuse, addiction and its consequences to help meet the educational needs of medical students, residents and medical school faculty. The first seven curriculum resources include lectures, problem-based case studies, a faculty workshop, and a web module, any of which can be incorporated into existing medical curricula.

"Physicians can be the first line of defense against substance abuse and addiction, but they need the resources and the training," said NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow. "Our long term goal is for doctors to incorporate screening for drug use into routine practice like they currently screen for other diseases; to help patients that are abusing to stop; and to refer more serious cases to specialized treatment."

Three themes have emerged in this first wave of CoE offerings: the importance of communication in the doctor-patient relationship, particularly around sensitive issues; the recognition that substance abuse may play an integral role in many disorders physicians treat, even when not the presenting condition; and the crucial part physicians can play in both identifying substance abuse in their patients and reducing their risk of developing a substance use disorder.

For example, several CoE resources address prescription drug abuse among chronic pain patients, which presents special issues for physicians, who must balance adequate treatment with the risks of addiction.

"Our goal is to improve the quality of pain treatment and the safety of prescribing opioids by increasing the knowledge and skills of medical providers early in the educational process," emphasized Dr. Jeffrey Baxter of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, developer of one of the CoE resources.

By pairing substance abuse expertise with innovations in medical education, these curriculum adjuncts can enhance substance abuse medical education, help to remove the stigma associated with substance abuse, and ultimately improve patient care.

The NIDA CoE program was created through a partnership with the American Medical Association's medical education research collaborative, Innovative Strategies for Transforming the Education of Physicians and includes the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, the Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance, the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Drexel University College of Medicine.

The NIDA CoE program is part of NIDAMED — NIDA's ongoing commitment to the medical community to provide scientifically accurate and useful resources for addressing substance abuse in their patients. NIDAMED offers a variety of tools, including an online interactive screening tool to help doctors accurately assess their patient's substance use.

More information on the NIDA CoE resources can be found at: www.drugabuse.gov/coe.

Information on the NIDAMED program can be found at: www.nida.nih.gov/nidamed.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

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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.

— WebWireID107192 —

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 —

* Labor savings of up to 35-40% per receiving-and-inventory-replenishment employee, allowing participating companies to reallocate staffing resources to other critical tasks;
* Fewer inventory 'stock outs' and increased fill rates because products get more quickly from the receiving dock to the location where they are stored.
* Increased security due to EZ Cart® doors being secured with numbered seals.
* Easier maneuverability within facility and less physical strain on employees when using the EZ Cart® compared to receiving products on a pallets.

'Cardinal Health's EZ Cart® program provides a much easier and safer way to unload and move products around our facility than traditional pallets or forklifts, offers tighter security for controlled substances and saves our shipping and receiving staff a tremendous amount of time,' said Rick Miller, senior director of logistics and inventory for Prime Therapeutics. 'The EZ Cart® has helped us create significant efficiencies with how we receive and replenish pharmaceutical products within our facilities, and is a great example of Prime Therapeutics' commitment to finding innovative ways to more efficiently and effectively serve the needs of our clients and members.'

EZ Cart® is part of a broad array of value-added supply chain optimization services that Cardinal Health currently offers to help mail order pharmacies improve cost-effectiveness and efficiency. To learn more about EZ Cart® and other services that Cardinal Health offers to help its mail order customers improve cost-effectiveness, please visit www.cardinalhealth.com/mailorder.

— WebWireID107116 —

RED BANK, NJ and DENVER, CO – November 5, 2009

WHO: Joe Federbush, vice president, sales and marketing, Exhibit Surveys, Inc.

WHAT: Blue Goose Exhibitor Training Center, 'Proving the Value of Trade Shows in a Down Economy'
One of the first things to be cut in a down economy is the trade show and marketing budget. Exhibitors are under pressure from all sides to justify their participation in trade shows. Fortunately, trade shows take on a renewed importance in a tough economy and can be a huge time and money saver when trying to reach qualified prospects. In this interactive session, you'll learn about historical trends and discuss the key obstacles facing the exhibition industry in today's economy. Discover how to prove ROI by:
• Bringing true accountability and justification to your trade show and events program
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses to maximize exhibit performance
• Reviewing case studies to see how others are proving value in this economy
WHEN: November 12, 2009, 11 am – 1 pm
WHERE:
The Exhibitor's Training Center
Turnpike Business Park
7100 N. Broadway, Bldg. 3-G
Denver, CO 80221 (map)

MORE INFORMATION: (303) 430-1986 or. http://www.bluegooseinc.net/exhibitors-training/upcoming-program.html

About Exhibit Surveys, Inc.
Established in 1963, Exhibit Surveys, Inc. specializes exclusively in conducting market research and measurement for the exhibition and event marketing industry. The company has conducted primary research on more than 3,000 exhibitions and events and over 10,000 individual exhibits in all major segments of commerce on six continents. Its clients represent all segments of the event industry, including exhibition organizers, exhibitors, private events organizers, suppliers, CVBs and convention facilities. For more information, visit www.exhibitsurveys.com or call 1.732.741.3170.

About Blue Goose Inc.
Blue Goose Inc. takes your business seriously – as well as your smile. With expertise in award-winning booth design, refurbishment, and logistics management, Blue Goose provides the right booth for your objectives and budget.

The Exhibitor's Training Center is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by Blue Goose, Inc. with the purpose of further educating those in the exhibit and event industry in the 'tricks of the trade.' Monthly training programs are held to help attendees make the most of their company's marketing efforts. Instructors who possess first-hand knowledge and experience with their respective topics are provided at no cost.

Sign up for the informative monthly e-newsletter and learn more about Blue Goose Inc. at www.bluegooseinc.com.

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— WebWireID107083 —

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.

— WebWireID107080 —

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 EPSą 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.'

— WebWireID107066 —

AcuMedSpa will stand behind its goal commitment of $10,000,000 in revenue for 2010 and do so without further equity issuance.

AcuMedSpa also announced today they have reached an agreement with Zerona and Santa Barbara Medical Innovations to be the preferred provider of the Zerona Protocol. This new avenue of business should generate upwards of $200,000.00 in revenue.

For further information, please visit www.finance.yahoo.com/q?s=AMSZ.PK

SmallCapNewsRelease gainers are MOD-PAC Corp (NASDAQ:MPAC) Ambac Financial Group (NYSE:ABK) First Keystone Financial (NASDAQ:FKFS) Pacer International (NASDAQ:PACR) Rehabcare Group (NYSE:RHB) Agilysys Inc (NASDAQ:AGYS) Rand Capital Corp (NASDAQ:RAND) PMA Capital Corp (NASDAQ:PMACA)

SmallCapNewsRelease decliners are STEC Inc (NASDAQ:STEC) MTR Gaming Group (NASDAQ:MNTG) Clarient (NASDAQ:CLRT) Pathfinder Bancorp (NASDAQ:PBHC) True Religion Apparel (NASDAQ:TRLG) Vonage Holdings (NYSE:VG) Capital Trust Inc (NYSE:CT) Vitacost.com (NASDAQ:VITC)

Information, opinions and analysis contained herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation, expressed or implied, is made as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. The opinions contained herein reflect our current judgment and are subject to change without notice. We accept no liability for any losses arising from an investor's reliance on or use of this report. This report is for information purposes only, and is neither a solicitation to buy nor an offer to sell securities. A third party has hired and paid Small Cap News Release twelve hundred and ninety five dollars for the publication and circulation of this news release. Certain information included herein is forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements concerning manufacturing, marketing, growth, and expansion. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could affect actual results and cause them to differ materially from expectations expressed herein. We have no ownership of equity, no representation do no trading of any kind and send No Faxes or emails.

— WebWireID107037 —

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.

— WebWireID107055 —

* 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.

— WebWireID107052 —

Today, ViiV Healthcare, a new specialist HIV company established by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Pfizer, was officially launched. Dr Dominique Limet, the Chief Executive Officer of ViiV Healthcare, outlined the company's ethos and priorities to tackle the increasingly diverse and complex needs of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Reflecting on the current challenges in HIV and the opportunity for ViiV Healthcare, Dr Limet said, 'Rising infection rates and increasingly complex treatment issues have created a challenging landscape in the treatment of HIV and the need for innovative research and better patient resources.'

The discovery of anti-retroviral treatments for HIV was, said Dr Limet 'a momentous achievement', turning a life threatening illness into a chronic disease. However, he also noted that at present even those people who have access to proper care and treatment live, on average, ten years less than people without the virus. 'This is unacceptable and we must stay relentless in the pursuit of new medicines' maintained Dr Limet.

He acknowledged that research and development into HIV had become more difficult and that to deliver effective medicines a new approach is needed. 'In truth, we have to get closer to those people who live with the virus,' said Dr Limet. 'Much of our historic effort has been led by the virus – a chase of science. This must continue, but we must also listen and better understand the needs of people living with HIV. If we get this balance right, I believe ViiV Healthcare can really make a difference.'

Strong focus on stimulating research and development

ViiV Healthcare has 10 medicines currently available including therapies such as Epzicom/Kivexa (abacavir sulfate+lamivudine) and Selzentry/Celsentri (maraviroc). Revenues from these available treatments, which generated sales of approximately £1.6 billion in 2008, will provide ViiV Healthcare with financial stability and support sustained investment in its pipeline and programmes.

Dr Limet stated that ViiV would be pursuing 'multiple' strategies to develop this existing business and to deliver new growth opportunities, including geographic expansion, new collaborations and business development activities.

The company also has a pipeline of seven innovative and targeted medicines, including five compounds in phase II development. Altogether, ViiV Healthcare has 17 molecules in its portfolio to develop as potential new HIV treatments.

Dr Limet commented, 'Our ambition is to conduct research and development both inside and outside ViiV Healthcare. Our R&D efforts, strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities will be focused on delivering medications that help address resistance issues and dosing complexity. Within our own pipeline we have some very exciting molecules, including our late stage integrase inhibitor development programme.'

'ViiV Healthcare's R&D will not solely focus on creating 'new' medicines. We will explore the potential of all our molecules for broader utility, for example to create new formulations and combinations that can help improve adherence or overcome resistance to the virus.'

'We are also actively seeking new collaborative opportunities to address the diverse needs of patients in the developing and developed world,' said Dr Limet. 'Our ambition is to leverage the best science, from multiple external partners, to create better treatment.'

ViiV Healthcare has signed a Research Alliance Agreement with GSK and Pfizer under which it will invest in research and development into HIV medicines being conducted by both companies. GSK and Pfizer have also agreed to grant ViiV Healthcare a right of first negotiation in relation to any new HIV-related medicine developed by either GSK or Pfizer.

Dr Limet specifically highlighted the need to drive advances in research for children living with HIV, 'A core objective of ViiV Healthcare will be to address the current treatment and formulation gaps faced in responding to paediatric needs. One of our first tasks will be to identify partners to help develop fixed-dosed combinations and we are providing £10 million of seed funding to support a Public Private Partnership approach to the discovery of much needed clinical evidence into new HIV/AIDS medicines for children.'

Access to medicines

Dr Limet affirmed that improving access to HIV treatments will be a critical priority for ViiV Healthcare. He made it clear that ViiV Healthcare is committed to broadening access to its current medicines for all those people requiring life-saving treatment regardless of income and geography.

'It is essential that ViiV Healthcare continues and builds upon GSK and Pfizer's commitments to improve access to HIV medicines' said Dr Limet. 'We will work to identify ways to best support access, whether it is in developing country settings through not-for-profit, preferential pricing and voluntary licences or by providing assistance for people in need in developed nations'.

The long-standing Positive Action programme, established by GSK in 1992, will be at the core of ViiV Healthcare's partnership programmes, supporting local communities impacted by HIV/AIDS globally. With an emphasis on community engagement, ViiV Healthcare will support efforts to address the challenges of HIV prevention, tackling stigma and discrimination, building capacity and treatment literacy.

As part of the Positive Action programme, ViiV Healthcare is committed to a recently announced series of initiatives under the new Positive Action for Children Fund, a £50 million programme over 10 years focused on the prevention of HIV transmission from Mother-to Child, and the health and well being of women, orphans and vulnerable children around the globe.

In conclusion, Dr Limet stated that ViiV Healthcare had the potential to 're-energise' the pharmaceutical industry's participation in HIV.

He emphasised the strong commitment of ViiV Healthcare's shareholders, GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, to the new company and said that he wanted to build upon their heritage and success in developing and providing access to HIV treatments.

'ViiV Healthcare has a sustained commitment to delivering advances in HIV care and treatment. By focusing solely on HIV, we will have the ability to explore a broad and diverse range of opportunities within this specialist area of medicine', he said. 'This is ViiV Healthcare's potential and our aim is to deliver for all people living with HIV.'

About ViiV Healthcare:

ViiV Healthcare will have worldwide headquarters in London, and US headquarters based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Dr Limet will be a member of the ViiV Healthcare Board and will lead the company's executive management team with Dr John Pottage, Chief Medical Officer, Subesh Williams, Chief Financial Officer, and Dr Manuel Goncalves, Head of Government Affairs, Patient Advocacy, Community Partnership and Access.

GSK holds an 85% interest in ViiV Healthcare and Pfizer holds 15%. GSK and Pfizer announced that they had agreed to form a new specialist HIV company on 16th April 2009. The transaction was completed on October 30th 2009.

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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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NEW YORK CITY.— Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) announced today that it has reached an agreement with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) to offer Aetna members in New York City in-network access to in-patient and out-patient services from HHC's 11 acute care hospitals, six Diagnostic and Treatment Centers and four nursing homes.

The new three-year agreement expands Aetna's current relationship with HHC's Elmhurst Hospital Center and Queens Hospital Center. All Aetna plans are covered under the new contract.

'Aetna is happy to announce that all of the HHC facilities will now be included in our New York City network,' said Michael Costa, Aetna's head of network operations for the New York City market. 'This agreement will enhance our ability to offer our members access to a wide range of hospitals and physicians in and around New York City.'

Aetna provides health benefits to approximately 1.8 million members in the New York Metropolitan area. Those members have access to a network that includes 172 contracted hospitals and more than 56,000 health care providers, including primary-care and specialist physicians, in the New York Metropolitan area.

New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation's hospitals – which are affiliated with all of the city's major medical schools and comprise the largest municipal hospital system in the country – include six level 1 trauma centers, nine designated stroke centers and two regional perinatal centers. In addition, HHC facilities include the only hospital in New York City to receive a 'Baby-Friendly' breast-feeding achievement designation by the World Health Organization.

"We are delighted that our contract with Aetna will offer more New Yorkers access to care at all of HHC hospitals. Our entry into this vast network of commercial health insurance underscores our competitive, quality services and our recent significant achievements at the leading edge of patient safety, health information technology and chronic disease management," said HHC President Alan D. Aviles. "This new partnership also supports our work to further diversify our patient base and attract more referrals from the thousands of community physicians with whom we have forged relationships."

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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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Marketdata projects 6.0% annual growth for the total U.S. weight loss market, to $68.7 billion by 2010, with growth rates for individual market segments ranging from zero to 16% per year.

About Cardio Infrared Technologies, Inc.

Cardio Infrared Technologies, Inc. is a technology and marketing company, which is focused on developing the revolutionary and evolutionary process of combining exercise equipment with medical benefits that go far beyond the normal benefits of standard exercise equipment. Cardio Infrared Technologies, Inc. is committed to continue to market this equipment to the exercise and medical markets and to aggressively expand the market to every country around the world. The equipment has already been featured on 'Good Morning America' and 'The View.' Cardio Infrared Technologies, Inc. also has an aggressive growth plan that includes acquisitions and development of innovative new equipment and programs in the exercise and medical industries.

The full special report on the company appears today at http://www.stockshaven.com/burning-the-calories-with-cardiocor-pinkcdoi-pk/

Disclosure: Long CDOI

To feature your publicly traded company in StocksHaven.com Alerts or as a fully profiled company, email us at michaelvlaicu@stockshaven.com or visit http://www.stockshaven.com/ir_contract/ for more info

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About MiV Investments Inc.

MiV Investments Inc. can be found at StocksHaven.com. It is a company offering a news portal covering the world financial news and equities sector. It features its own blog, free level 2 quotes, two way linking capability, mass e-mail distribution alerts, stock research reports, conference calls, news feeds, mailing list, videos, press release capability, stock commentaries, company reviews and other unique content including expert stock analysis from Michael Vlaicu. The company also offers Investor Relations contracting services.

For more financial and investment news, visit www.StocksHaven.com

Certain sections of this report contain forward-looking statements that are based on our reporters' expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "scheduled," "estimates" and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which include but are not limited to projections of revenues, earnings, segment performance, cash flows, contract awards, FDA announcements, trial and drug approvals, and company stability. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors including but not limited to the status or outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or, in the case of any document incorporated by reference, the date of that document. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the company or any person acting on the company's behalf are qualified by the cautionary statements in this section. StocksHaven.Com on behalf of MiV Investments Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this report.

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According to most experts in the field of homecare, the wisest means of selection and the best indicator of future reliability are past performance, given the uncertainty that accompanies the current selection process. That being the case, one area agency has everything to gain by being evaluated based on these criteria.

Elite Healthcare, with locations in Hackensack, Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey, needs only pull from its file cabinet drawer full of fan mail when asked to account for its performance under crisis over the years. According to Nechama Pessar RN, BSN, who co-founded Elite Healthcare in 1997, 'People have been very kind in expressing their appreciation for the caliber of care we provide. I have a stack of letters and notes, every one of which is a source of pride to every one here at Elite.'

One letter in particular said it all on behalf of Elite: 'Regardless of the weather or the holiday, day and night, your people were there for my mother-in-law. And in an emergency, you were on top of the situation.'

Other letters noted the confidence clients have in Elite's care, even when away. Said one Elite client, 'We were told we would never have to worry, even when we were out of state. Your people lived up to every assurance we were given.'

Pessar smiled as her fingers waded through her pile of letters and notes. 'We take a lot of pride in providing services that alleviate worry in people's lives,' she said, 'and even greater pride in allowing our clients to maintain their independence, and live in their own homes. This is where they feel safe, where their lives are rooted.'

Elite Healthcare, Inc. provides services, customized according to the needs of its clients. Their services include helping clients follow a daily dress and hygiene regimen, making certain medications are taken on time, and helping clients stick to the rehabilitation plans laid out by their physicians and therapists. Elite personnel will also help plan and prepare meals, perform light housekeeping duties, and help clients get out to shop and keep appointments.

'Our clients feel as if they are being given very special care, because they are,' says Pessar. 'When you choose a home care service, the quality of the personnel who will be at your loved one's side is the most important consideration. These letters tell you all you need to know about the quality of our people.'

Elite Healthcare Inc. is a Health Care Service firm licensed by the state of New Jersey, and Home Health Aide Service Provider accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Home Care, Inc. (CAHC). Each Registered Nurse in Elite's service must be licensed in the state of New Jersey. Each Certified Home Health Aide must pass a written and practical exam in addition to passing a physical and a criminal background check.

Elite Healthcare accepts most long term disability insurances and Medicaid paying sources.

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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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