“Bipolar I disorder is difficult to manage, and patients frequently
discontinue therapy for a variety of reasons,” said Eduard Vieta, M.D.,
Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at the University of Barcelona, and
director of the Bipolar Disorders Program of the Hospital Clinic,
Barcelona, Spain. “Having multiple treatment options is vital for
patients, and asenapine represents a new option for this serious
disease.”

The European Commission approval of SYCREST, an atypical antipsychotic,
for the treatment of manic episodes in bipolar I disorder, was based on
a review of efficacy data from a clinical trial program, which included
nearly 1,300 patients with bipolar mania. SYCREST is marketed as SAPHRIS^®
(asenapine) sublingual tablets in the United States.

Clinical Trial Overview

Efficacy of SYCREST was demonstrated in two similarly-designed,
three-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled
(olanzapine) monotherapy trials of adult patients who had bipolar I
disorder with an acute manic or mixed episode with or without psychotic
features. Asenapine demonstrated superior efficacy to placebo in the
reduction of manic symptoms over three weeks. A statistically
significant difference between asenapine and placebo was seen as early
as day two.

These pivotal short-term studies were extended via a nine-week,
double-blind, non-inferiority study to assess maintenance of efficacy
and safety for up to 12 weeks. Maintenance of effect during the episode
after 12 weeks of randomized treatment was observed. These studies were
further extended for 40 weeks to assess safety for up to a total 52
weeks.

Additionally, efficacy of SYCREST as adjunctive therapy to the mood
stabilizers lithium or valproate was demonstrated in a 12-week,
placebo-controlled trial involving 326 patients with a manic or mixed
episode of bipolar I disorder, with or without psychotic features. The
addition of asenapine as adjunctive therapy in patients who were
partially non-responsive to lithium or valproate monotherapy for two
weeks at therapeutic serum levels resulted in superior reduction of
manic symptoms versus lithium or valproate alone at weeks three and 12.

“SYCREST reflects MSD’s ongoing commitment to innovative therapies in
the area of neuroscience,” said Armin Szegedi, M.D., head of Psychiatry,
Neuroscience Clinical Research, Merck. “Today’s approval provides a new
treatment for patients in Europe that is intended to help address the
needs of one of the most serious mental illnesses.”

Approximately 4,500 subjects, including more than 3,150 patients in
phase II/III studies, have contributed to asenapine’s safety and
tolerability data. In clinical studies, asenapine was generally well
tolerated. The most common side effects seen in more than 10% of
patients included somnolence and anxiety. Other common side effects seen
in between one and 10 patients per 100 included weight gain, increased
appetite, dystonia (slow or sustained muscle contractions), akathisia
(restlessness), dyskinesia (involuntary muscle contractions),
parkinsonism (slow movements, tremor), sedation, dizziness, dysgeusia
(change in taste), oral hypoaesthesia (numb feeling of the tongue or in
the mouth), increase in alanine aminotransferase (liver protein levels),
muscle rigidity, and fatigue. SYCREST is contraindicated in patients
with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the
excipients.

In the combined short-term and long-term SYCREST trials, the mean change
in body weight for asenapine was 0.8 kg. The proportion of subjects with
clinically significant weight gain (≥ 7 % weight gain from baseline at
endpoint) in the short-term bipolar mania trials was 6.5% for asenapine
compared to 0.6% for placebo.

About Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder (also known as manic depression) is a chronic,
episodic illness characterized by mania (episodes of elevated moods,
extreme irritability, decreased sleep and increased energy), depression
(overwhelming feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts), or a combination
of both.

Important Safety Information

Elderly patients with dementia-related
psychosis

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with
antipsychotic substances are at an increased risk of death. Sycrest is
not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related
psychosis and is not recommended for use in this particular group of
patients.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), characterised by hyperthermia,
muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, altered consciousness and
elevated serum creatine phosphokinase levels, has been reported to occur
with antipsychotics, including asenapine. Additional clinical signs may
include myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis) and acute renal failure. If a
patient develops signs and symptoms indicative of NMS Sycrest must be
discontinued.

Seizures

In clinical trials, cases of seizure were occasionally reported during
treatment with asenapine. Therefore, Sycrest should be used with caution
in patients who have a history of seizure disorder or have conditions
associated with seizures.

Suicide

The possibility of a suicide attempt is inherent in psychotic illnesses
and bipolar disorder and close supervision of high-risk patients should
accompany treatment.

Orthostatic hypotension

Asenapine may induce orthostatic hypotension and syncope, especially
early in treatment, probably reflecting its α1-adrenergic antagonist
properties. Elderly patients are particularly at risk for experiencing
orthostatic hypotension. In clinical trials, cases of syncope were
occasionally reported during treatment with Sycrest. Sycrest should be
used with caution in elderly patients and in patients with known
cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart failure, myocardial infarction or
ischemia, conduction abnormalities), cerebrovascular disease, or
conditions that predispose the patient to hypotension (e.g., dehydration
and hypovolemia).

Tardive dyskinesia

Medicinal products with dopamine receptor antagonistic properties have
been associated with the induction of tardive dyskinesia characterised
by rhythmical, involuntary movements, predominantly of the tongue and/or
face. In clinical trials, cases of tardive dyskinesia were occasionally
reported during treatment with asenapine. The onset of extrapyramidal
symptoms is a risk factor for tardive dyskinesia. If signs and symptoms
of tardive dyskinesia appear in a patient on Sycrest, discontinuation of
treatment should be considered.

Hyperprolactinaemia

Increases in prolactin levels were observed in some patients with
Sycrest. In clinical trials, there were few adverse reactions related to
abnormal prolactin levels reported.

QT interval

Clinically relevant QT prolongation does not appear to be associated
with asenapine. Caution should be exercised when Sycrest is prescribed
in patients with known cardiovascular disease or family history of QT
prolongation, and in concomitant use with other medicinal products
thought to prolong the QT interval.

Hyperglycaemia and diabetes mellitus

Hyperglycaemia or exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes has occasionally
been reported during treatment with asenapine. Assessment of the
relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and glucose
abnormalities is complicated by the possibility of an increased
background risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with schizophrenia or
bipolar disorder and the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in
the general population. Appropriate clinical monitoring is advisable in
diabetic patients and in patients with risk factors for the development
of diabetes mellitus.

Dysphagia

Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with
antipsychotic treatment. Cases of dysphagia were occasionally reported
in patients treated with Sycrest.

Body temperature regulation

Disruption of the body’s ability to reduce core body temperature has
been attributed to antipsychotic medicines. From the clinical trials, it
is concluded that clinically relevant body temperature dysregulation
does not appear to be associated with asenapine. Appropriate care is
advised when prescribing Sycrest for patients who will be experiencing
conditions that may contribute to an elevation in core body temperature,
e.g. exercising strenuously, exposure to extreme heat, receiving
concomitant medicinal products with anticholinergic activity or being
subject to dehydration.

Patients with severe hepatic impairment

Asenapine exposure is increased 7-fold in patients with severe hepatic
impairment (Child-Pugh C). Therefore, Sycrest is not recommended in such
patients.

Parkinson’s disease and dementia with
Lewy bodies

Physicians should weigh the risks versus the benefits when prescribing
antipsychotic medicinal products, including Sycrest, to patients with
Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) since both groups
may be at increased risk of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome as well as
having an increased sensitivity to antipsychotics. Manifestation of this
increased sensitivity can include confusion, obtundation, postural
instability with frequent falls, in addition to extrapyramidal symptoms.

Drug Interactions

Caution should be used when asenapine is taken in combination with other
centrally acting medicinal products. Patients should be advised to avoid
alcohol while taking SYCREST. Additionally, SYCREST should be
co-adminsitered cautiously with fluvoxamine (a CYP1A2 inhibitor) and
with medicinal products that are both substrates and inhibitors of
CYP2D6 (e.g., paroxetine).

For full prescribing information, please refer to the Summary of Product
Characteristics.

About MSD

Today’s Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be
well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada.
Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and
consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and
operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health
solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to
healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships.

Forward-Looking Statement

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

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to
differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the
possibility that the expected synergies from the merger of Merck and
Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the
expected time period; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation
and health care legislation; the risk that the businesses will not be
integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more
difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; Merck’s
ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on
the effectiveness of Merck’s patents and other protections for
innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health
policies in the U.S. and internationally and the exposure to litigation
and/or regulatory actions.

Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ
materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be
found in Merck’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at
the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

SYCREST^® is a registered trademark of N.V.
Organon, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J.,
U.S.A.

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LABART was founded in 1996 and is one of Poland’s largest independent
suppliers of laboratory equipment and consumables. LABART is recognized
for its technical products and service-oriented approach to its
customers in the industrial, pharmaceutical and tertiary scientific
education market segments, as well as the public sector. LABART’s core
business of supplying instrumentation, consumables and services
complements VWR’s European offerings.

Manuel Brocke-Benz, VWR Senior Vice President and Managing Director of
European Operations, said, “This acquisition demonstrates our continued
commitment to Central and Eastern Europe and our intention to expand our
product and service offerings globally. LABART has a strong reputation
in Poland providing a wide range of laboratory products and services to
the scientific community. We are very pleased to welcome the talented
team at LABART to the VWR organization.”

About VWR International, LLC

VWR International, LLC, headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is
a global laboratory supply and distribution company with worldwide sales
in excess of $3.5 billion in 2009. VWR enables the advancement of the
world’s most critical research through the distribution of a highly
diversified product line to most of the world’s top pharmaceutical and
biotech companies, as well as industrial, educational and governmental
organizations. With 150 years of industry experience, VWR offers a
well-established distribution network that reaches thousands of
specialized labs and facilities spanning the globe. VWR has over 6,500
associates around the world working to streamline the way researchers
across North America, Europe, and Asia stock and maintain their labs. In
addition, VWR further supports its customers by providing onsite
services, storeroom management, product procurement, supply chain
systems integration and technical services.

For more information on VWR, phone 1-800-932-5000, visit www.vwr.com,
or write, VWR International, LLC, 1310 Goshen Parkway, P.O. Box 2656,
West Chester, PA 19380-0906.

VWR and design are registered trademarks of VWR International, LLC.

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The full indication is for the rapid conversion of recent onset AF to
sinus rhythm in adults: for non-surgery patients with AF of seven days
or less and for post-cardiac surgery patients with AF of three days or
less.

The new treatment has a unique mechanism of action from other AF
medicines and is the first product in a new class of pharmacologic
agents for cardioversion of AF to launch in the EU.

“BRINAVESS is the first and only agent that acts preferentially in the
atria. This medicine offers physicians, patients and hospitals an
important new therapy option to use for the rapid treatment of
recent-onset AF, and we are pleased to add this to our strong portfolio
of medicines for cardiovascular disease,” said Patrick Magri, senior
vice president, general manager, Cardiovascular Franchise, Merck. “We
welcome this important milestone in our collaboration with Cardiome and
we are planning to make the product available in the EU by the end of
the year.”

“BRINAVESS is the first pharmacologic innovation for recent onset of AF
in over ten years, and European approval is an exciting juncture for
Cardiome.” said Doug Janzen, president and chief executive officer of
Cardiome. This success was made possible through the commitment and hard
work of our employees and our partner Merck, the support of our
shareholders, and the efforts of many dedicated medical professionals
and patients who have taken part in the clinical program.”

Information on the clinical program for vernakalant

The approval of vernakalant is based on the results of three randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (ACT I, ACT II, and ACT III)
and an active comparator trial (AVRO).

In ACT I and III, the efficacy of vernakalant at converting patients
from AF to sinus rhythm for a minimum duration of one minute within 90
minutes of initiating therapy was evaluated in 390 haemodynamically
stable adult patients with short duration AF (3 hours to 7 days) versus
placebo. In ACT I, vernakalant cardioverted 51.0 percent of patients
versus 4.0 percent of patients taking placebo (n=74 and 3, respectively;
p<0.0001). In ACT III, vernakalant cardioverted 51.2 percent of patients
versus 3.6 percent of patients taking placebo (n=44 and 3, respectively;
p <0.0001). Conversion of AF to sinus rhythm occurred rapidly; in
responders, the median time to conversion was 10 minutes from start of
first infusion based on pooled results from the ACT I and ACT III
studies.

The efficacy of vernakalant also was studied in ACT II in 150 patients
with sustained AF (3 hours to 72 hours duration) that occurred between
24 hours and 7 days post coronary artery bypass graft and/or valvular
surgery. Treatment with vernakalant effectively converted 47.0 percent
of patients from AF to sinus rhythm versus 14.0 percent with placebo
(p=0.0001).

In the AVRO study, vernakalant was significantly more effective than
amiodarone IVin providing rapid conversion to sinus rhythm
within 90 minutes of initiating therapy

In the AVRO (Active-Controlled, Multi-Center Study of Vernakalant
Injection versus Amiodarone in Subjects with Recent Onset Atrial
Fibrillation) study, vernakalant was demonstrated to be significantly
faster than amiodarone IV in restoring AF patients to sinus rhythm. In
the trial, vernakalant was studied in 116 patients with AF (3 hours to
48 hours) versus 116 patients on amiodarone. The amiodarone infusion was
given over two hours (i.e., one hour loading dose of 5 mg/kg, followed
by one hour maintenance infusion of 50 mg) with the objective to compare
rapid conversion to sinus rhythm. The primary endpoint was the
proportion of patients that achieved sinus rhythm for a minimum duration
of one minute within 90 minutes of first exposure of the study drug. In
this study, treatment with vernakalant converted 51.7 percent of
patients to sinus rhythm at 90 minutes versus 5.2 percent with
amiodarone.

Important Safety Information

Vernkalant is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the
active substance or to any of the excipients. Vernakalant also is
contraindicated in patients with severe aortic stenosis, systolic blood
pressure <100 mm Hg, and heart failure class NYHA III and NYHA IV.
Furthermore, vernakalant is contraindicated in patients with prolonged
QT at baseline (uncorrected >440 msec), severe bradycardia, sinus node
dysfunction, or second-degree or third-degree heart block in the absence
of a pacemaker. Vernakalant is also contraindictated in patients who use
intravenous rhythm control antiarrhythmics (class I and class III)
within four hours prior to administration of vernakalant and patients
with acute coronary syndrome (including myocardial infarction) within
the last 30 days.

Vernakalant is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the
active substance or to any of the excipients; patients with severe
aortic stenosis, patients with systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg, and
patients with heart failure class NYHA III and NYHA IV and patients with
prolonged QT at baseline (uncorrected >440 msec), severe bradycardia,
sinus node dysfunction, or second-degree or third-degree heart block in
the absence of a pacemaker. Vernakalant is also contraindicated in
patients who use intravenous rhythm control antiarrhythmics (class I and
class III) within four hours prior to administration of BRINAVESS and
patients with acute coronary syndrome (including myocardial infarction)
within the last 30 days.

Patients should be observed with assessment of vital signs and
continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring during and after administration of
vernakalant, until clinical and ECG parameters have stabilised.

Hypotension can occur in a small number of patients (vernakalant 7.6%,
compared to placebo 5.1%). Hypotension typically occurs early, either
during the infusion or early after the end of the infusion, and can
usually be corrected by standard supportive measures. Patients with
congestive heart failure (CHF) have been identified as a population at
higher risk for hypotension.

Patients with a history of CHF showed a higher incidence of ventricular
arrhythmia in the first 2 hours post dose (7.3% for vernakalant compared
to 1.6% for placebo). These arrhythmias typically presented as
asymptomatic, monomorphic, non-sustained (average 3 to 4 beats)
ventricular tachycardias. By contrast, ventricular arrhythmias were
reported with similar frequencies in patients without a history of CHF
who were treated with either vernakalant or placebo (3.2% for
vernakalant versus 3.6% for placebo).

In patients with valvular heart disease, there was a higher incidence of
ventricular arrhythmia events in patients on BRINAVESS. These patients
should be monitored closely.

As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of
BRINAVESS during pregnancy. It is unknown whether
vernakalant/metabolites are excreted in human milk. Caution should be
exercised when used in breast-feeding women.

In clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse reactions
(greater than 5%) seen in the first 24 hours after receiving BRINAVESS
were dysgeusia (taste disturbance 20.1%), sneezing (14.6 percent), and
paraesthesia (9.7%).

Clinically significant adverse reactions observed in clinical trials
included hypotension and ventricular arrhythmia.

Before initiating therapy, the full prescribing information should be
consulted.

Merck-Cardiome Agreement

In April 2009, Cardiome and Merck announced a collaboration and license
agreement for the development and commercialization of vernakalant. The
agreement provides Merck, Sharp and Dohme Corp. (formerly known as Merck
& Co., Inc.) with exclusive global rights to vernakalant oral
formulation for the maintenance of normal heart rhythm in patients with
AF, and provides another Merck affiliate, Merck Sharp & Dohme
(Switzerland) GmbH, with exclusive rights outside of the United States,
Canada and Mexico to vernakalant IV formulation for rapid conversion of
recent onset AF to sinus rhythm in adults.

About MSD

Today’s MSD is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be
well. MSD is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through
our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer
care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in
more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also
demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through
far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships that donate and deliver
our products to the people who need them. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

About Cardiome Pharma Corp.

Cardiome Pharma Corp. is a product-focused drug development company
dedicated to the advancement and commercialization of novel treatments
for disorders of the heart and circulatory system. Cardiome is traded on
the NASDAQ National Market (CRME) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (COM).
For more information, please visit our web site at www.cardiome.com.

Merck Forward Looking Statement

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

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to
differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the
possibility that the expected synergies from the merger of Merck and
Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the
expected time period; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation
and health care legislation; the risk that the businesses will not be
integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more
difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; Merck’s
ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on
the effectiveness of Merck’s patents and other protections for
innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health
policies in the U.S. and internationally and the exposure to litigation
and/or regulatory actions.

Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ
materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be
found in Merck’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at
the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Cardiome Forward Looking Statement

Certain statements in this press release contain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 or forward-looking information under applicable
Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical
fact, including without limitation statements regarding product revenues
following Merck’s expected launch of BRINAVESS and other statements
containing the words “believe”, “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”,
“continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect” and similar expressions.
Such forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual
results, events or developments, or industry results, to be materially
different from any future results, events or developments expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Risks,
uncertainties and factors that could cause such actual events or results
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information
to differ materially from any future events or results expressed or
implied by such statements and information include, but are not limited
to, the risks, uncertainties and factors related to the fact that: we,
together with our collaborative partners, may not be able to
successfully develop all or any of our current or future products and
may not be able to obtain regulatory approval in targeted indications
for our current or future products in all markets; we may not achieve or
maintain profitability; our future operating results are uncertain and
likely to fluctuate; we may not be able to raise additional capital as
and when required; we depend on our collaborative partners to perform
their obligations under licensing or other collaborative agreements; we
may not be successful in establishing additional corporate
collaborations or licensing arrangements; we may not be able to
establish marketing and sales capabilities and the costs of launching
our products may be greater than anticipated; any of our products that
obtain regulatory approval will be subject to extensive post-market
regulation that may effect sales, marketing and profitability; any of
our products that are successfully developed may not achieve market
acceptance; we rely on third parties for the continued supply and
manufacture of our products and have no experience in commercial
manufacturing; we may face unknown risks related to intellectual
property matters, including with respect to our ability to protect our
intellectual property; we face increased competition from pharmaceutical
and biotechnology companies; and other factors as described in detail in
our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available at www.sec.gov
and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com.
Given these risks, uncertainties and factors, you are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and information,
which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All
forward-looking statements and information made herein are based on our
current expectations and we undertake no obligation to revise or update
such forward-looking statements and information to reflect subsequent
events or circumstances, except as required by law.

BRINAVESS™ (vernakalant) is a trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.,
a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.

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As a result of the agreement, Quintiles will execute a comprehensive
commercialization effort for Bronchitol across Western Europe. Beginning
with Germany in early 2011, Quintiles will later support the
commercialization of Bronchitol in France, Spain, Italy, Austria,
Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg and Portugal.
Quintiles’ services include development of the overall market access
strategy, pricing and reimbursement, local market access, product
management, and recruitment and management of field-based commercial
teams.

Designed to reduce the amount of mucus build-up in the lungs of patients
suffering from chronic respiratory conditions, Bronchitol has been
awarded orphan drug designation for cystic fibrosis in the European
Union and United States. Pharmaxis anticipates approval for the product
in Europe by the close of 2010, with promotional activities beginning in
2011.

“Bronchitol is an important advancement in the treatment of cystic
fibrosis,” said Gary Phillips, Acting Chief Executive Officer,
Pharmaxis. “To get this critical therapy to patients, we need the right
partner to ensure our market entry goes smoothly. Europe is a complex
area in which to launch a product, and Quintiles’ experience, breadth
and expertise in the region made them the ally of choice. They are
experts at market access, field sales and product promotion, and
understand the nature of the region.”

With 10,000 employees in 30 countries, the Commercial group provides
innovative, customized commercial solutions to partners throughout the
biopharmaceutical industry by leveraging the full suite of Quintiles’
sales, marketing, clinical, consulting and capital services.

“We are pleased that Pharmaxis – a leading biopharma company – has
selected Quintiles to provide a tailored solution to commercialize a
much-needed therapy,” said Mark Archer, Vice President of Global
Business Development, Quintiles. “As the biopharmaceutical industry
moves beyond the traditional commercial sales organization in the New
Health, Quintiles is building innovative commercial partnership
models that help customers meet the changing demands of prescribers,
payers and patients. Quintiles has a broad range of commercial solutions
and the agility to help clients accelerate timelines, increase
productivity, overcome complexity and demonstrate value.”

About Quintiles

Quintiles is the only fully integrated biopharmaceutical services
company offering clinical, commercial, consulting and capital solutions
worldwide. The Quintiles network of more than 20,000 engaged
professionals in 60 countries works with an unwavering commitment to
patients, safety and ethics. Quintiles helps biopharmaceutical companies
navigate risk and seize opportunities in an environment where change is
constant. For more information, please visit www.quintiles.com.

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Thomas G. Plaskett, Chairman of the IDC, said, “We look forward to
negotiating a deal that affords fair value to Alcon’s minority
shareholders. An agreed transaction is in the best interests of all
stakeholders and is clearly preferable to protracted litigation, which
would delay critical steps in the integration process. However, we are
ready to defend the rights of Alcon and its minority shareholders if
Novartis refuses to negotiate a fair deal.”

The closing of the Nestlé/Novartis transaction satisfies the condition
of the election of Novartis’ five additional designees to Alcon’s board,
which was made on August 16^th despite their overwhelming
rejection by minority shareholders. The Novartis designees have a clear
conflict of interest with respect to any decision regarding Novartis’
merger proposal to minority shareholders. As previously announced by the
IDC and supported in a legal opinion issued by Professor Hans Caspar von
der Crone, a leading Swiss corporate governance expert, the role of
non-conflicted directors in related-party transactions is established
both by Swiss law and Alcon’s organizational documents. Accordingly, a
positive recommendation by the IDC is required with respect to any
related-party transaction between Alcon and Novartis, including the
merger proposal, and the IDC’s powers and duties cannot be altered
without the consent of the IDC.

Greenhill & Co., Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Pestalozzi, Zurich, are
continuing to act as advisors to the IDC.

Important information regarding the proposal will continue to be posted
on the Committee’s website: www.transactioninfo.com/alcon.

About Alcon

Alcon, Inc. is the world’s leading eye care company, with sales of
approximately $6.5 billion in 2009. Alcon, which has been dedicated to
the ophthalmic industry for 65 years, researches, develops, manufactures
and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contacts
lens solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases,
disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon operates in 75
countries and sells products in 180 markets. For more information on
Alcon, Inc., visit Alcon’s website at www.alcon.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This press
release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any
forward-looking statements reflect the views of the Committee as of the
date of this press release with respect to future events and are based
on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these
uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Novartis or
Alcon will achieve any particular future financial results or future
growth rates or that Novartis or Alcon will be able to realize any
potential synergies, strategic benefits or opportunities as a result of
the consummation of the Novartis purchase or the proposed merger. Also,
there can be no guarantee that the Committee will obtain any particular
result. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws
and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any
of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information
or future events or circumstances or otherwise.

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Over 600 of Europe’s top business leaders took part in the study which
examined attitudes towards doing business over the next 12 months.

EUROPE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND HUNGRY FOR GROWTH

• 8 out of 10 business expect to grow in the next 12 months
• Over half of businesses expect growth of 10% or more
• 3 out of 10 expect growth of more than 20%

SUCCESS AND GROWTH LIES BEYOND DOMESTIC BORDERS

• The world just got smaller –a third of businesses are looking to take
  advantage of new markets beyond domestic borders
• A fifth are looking at making more of global markets beyond the
  European Community
• 1 in 3 are looking to dominate their sector and have ambitions to grow
• 29% feel it is essential to diversify product offerings and services
• Only 6% of European businesses are concentrating on core business

INVESTMENT IN HUMAN CAPITAL IS KEY

• 58% are investing in their business
• 24% are investing in training and 39% plan to invest in their existing
  talent
• 11% infrastructure / 18% organic growth

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards says, “During the
recent recession firms were encouraged to focus solely on their core
business, however our research shows that only 6% of European businesses
plan on following this mantra in the coming year. Furthermore,
investment in staff and recruitment are often among the first casualties
of economic turmoil, but a quarter of businesses are expecting to invest
more in their staff and over half are expecting to recruit. With
four-out-of-five businesses predicting health growth the future for
European business looks bright.”

Alan Keir, Global Co-Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC, said: “The
European Business community has responded to past uncertainty by
grasping opportunities and accepting that investment and growth is the
key to success. The hunger for growth and success, coupled with a sense
of optimism, means that European businesses will go from
strength-to-strength.”

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The agreement outlines 50 MW of shipments in 2011 and a total of 600 MW
to be shipped over the period of the agreement. The framework agreement
represents the next step in what has been a long term relationship
between the two parties.

“juwi has an excellent history of developing and executing projects on a
number of continents,” said Joe Laia, CEO of MiaSolé. “We are happy to
align our corporate strategy with their history and experience.”

“The long-term nature and volumes outlined in the current supply
agreement with MiaSolé enable juwi to continue its plan of rapid
growth,” said Lars Falck. “In the prevailing unpredictable
environment, MiaSolé is proving to be an outstanding partner. We are
very fond of their product. Quality and professionalism will enable
MiaSolé to quickly gain market share.”

About MiaSolé

MiaSolé is a pioneer and leading developer of Copper Indium Gallium
Selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic solar panels, one of the
lowest-cost, highest efficiency solar panels in the world. MiaSolé’s
primary mission is to advance the extraordinary potential for harnessing
solar power as a competitive, sustainable energy source and enable grid
parity by 2012. Based in California, MiaSolé currently operates two
manufacturing facilities with construction beginning on the third
factory in 2010. Additional information on the company can be found at www.miasole.com.

About the juwi Group:

juwi is one of the leading project developers in the renewable energy
sector. Since 1996 the German company has been designing, building,
financing and operating solar, wind and bio energy plants. The CEOs and
founders Fred Jung and Matthias Willenbacher transformed the company
from a two-person operation into an internationally active group with
over 900 employees and annual revenue of approximately 900 million euros
(outlook 2010). To date, juwi has installed around 1,300 PV systems with
a total capacity of over 500 megawatts, among them one of the world’s
largest solar power plants in Eastern Germany, and more than 400 wind
turbines with a total output of about 600 megawatts. juwi has
subsidiaries in Germany, the United States, France, Italy, Spain, the
Czech Republic, Greece, Poland and Costa Rica. www.juwi.com

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Dr. Breau is a recognized expert in mass spectrometry, metabolite
identification, pharmacokinetics, and bioanalytical chemistry. He is a
cofounder of the Consortium for Metabonomic Toxicology (COMET) and
established a metabonomics group that provided toxicity assessments and
biomarker support. With over 30 years of rich and varied scientific
experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, Dr. Breau has served as a
consultant (IDSC Biotech Network), Senior Director of DMPK and
Bioanalytical Chemistry (Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc.), Senior Director
of Analytical Sciences (Theravance, Inc.), Research Fellow (Amgen,
Inc.), Director of Pharmacokinetics and Bioanalytical Chemistry
(Searle/Pharmacia/Pfizer), Director of Analytical Chemistry/Mass
Spectrometry (Searle/Monsanto), Product Applications Lab Manager
(Applied Biosystems), Senior Scientist (Allergan), and Senior
Pharmacologist (Eli Lilly). Dr. Breau completed his undergraduate degree
in chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, did his
post-doctoral fellowship with Harvard University and received his PhD in
pharmacology from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Tina Rogers, PhD, MBA, DABT, Director of Research and Executive Vice
President at MPI Research, states, “Joining Drs. David Laveglia and
Glenn Smits, Dr. Breau is an excellent addition to the MPI Research
leadership team that is responsible for directing the company’s three
core research divisions. Our ability to meet the bioanalytical and
analytical needs of our Sponsors is further strengthened by Dr. Breau’s
depth of experience and strategic acumen.”

MPI Research, with global headquarters in Mattawan, Michigan, provides
discovery, safety evaluation, bioanalytical, and analytical services to
the biopharmaceutical, medical device, animal health, and chemical
industries. Scientific knowledge and experience, integrity, trust,
teamwork, and dedication to strong and enduring Sponsor relationships
are the defining attributes that characterize MPI Research as a
high-performance, high-quality organization that is committed to
bringing safer and more effective products to the world. Learn more
about how we can exceed your expectations at www.mpiresearch.com.

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“Blu-ray is the absolute best way to experience Star Wars at home
– in pristine high definition,” said George Lucas, creator of the Star
Wars Saga. “The films have never looked or sounded better.”

ABOUT STAR WARS CELEBRATION V

Featuring celebrities, costumes, live entertainment, screenings,
autographs, collectibles, panels and much, much more, Star Wars
Celebration V is THE official Lucasfilm convention - and the biggest Star
Wars party in the galaxy! Taking place in Orlando, FL from August
12-15, Star Wars Celebration V commemorates the
30th Anniversary of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes
Back and the ongoing, weekly adventures of Star Wars: The Clone
Wars.

ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTANMENT

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized
global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film
Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of
innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox,
TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all
Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original
productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and
Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for
MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and
newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass
merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce
throughout the world.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks
and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of
Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights
reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their
respective owners.

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Along with Avram Hershko and Irwin Rose, Dr. Ciechanover received the
Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein
degradation, which has become an important area of research for
anti-cancer therapies.

The advisory board’s members are highly respected researchers and
clinicians in oncology noted for novel scientific publications and
collaborations with leading scientific institutions. The board’s purpose
is to enhance Quintiles’ leadership in oncology drug development,
especially in biomarker
discovery and targeted therapies that result in better patient
outcomes.

“I have been impressed by Quintiles’ key opinion leaders and scientific
direction in oncology clinical development,” Dr. Ciechanover said. “I am
pleased to join its advisory board to help advance promising anti-cancer
therapies from research through development and on to patients in need.”

“Dr. Ciechanover’s work continues to provide translational research
insight into novel mechanisms of action,” said Sarah Bacus, Ph.D.,
Quintiles Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer,
Translational R&D – Oncology. “His expertise will provide Quintiles with
great insight into the next generation of anti-cancer drugs targeting
the ubiquitin pathway.

“We are extremely pleased that he has joined other distinguished experts
on Quintiles’ Scientific Advisory Board, and we look forward to Dr.
Ciechanover’s involvement in our efforts to bring more effective
oncology drugs to patients in need.”

With the addition of Dr. Ciechanover, Quintiles’ Translational
Research and Development Scientific Advisory Board has 11 members
representing some of the world’s most distinguished medical
institutions, including Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins,
Sloan-Kettering, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Spanish National
Cancer Research Center (CNIO Spain).

About Quintiles

Quintiles is the only fully integrated biopharmaceutical services
company offering clinical,
commercial,
consulting
and capital
solutions worldwide. The Quintiles network of more than 20,000 engaged
professionals in 60 countries works with an unwavering commitment to
patients, safety and ethics. Quintiles helps bio-pharmaceutical
companies navigate risk and seize opportunities in an environment where
change is constant. For more information, please visit www.quintiles.com.

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