MSD announces the merger with Schering-Plough in Thailand

- New operation is the second biggest firm in the 100 billion Baht Thai pharmaceutical industry - Well positioned for growth through supplying innovative products for Thai patients Following the completion of the merger of their US operations, Merck & Co., Inc and Schering-Plough Corporation today announced that the company has also merged locally in Thailand. To be named MSD, the new operation is ranked second in size by revenues in the Thai pharmaceutical market, a similar leadership position the newly merger company has achieved globally. The new company, also to be known as MSD across Asia Pacific and all countries outside the United States and Canada, is a global leader in healthcare, providing innovative medicines that save and improve lives. Contraceptives and medicines for chronic and infectious diseases will be its leading products. The worldwide, US$41.1 billion merger will strengthen the company's position across a compelling range of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, infectious diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, vaccines, women's health, consumer health products, as well as animal health products. Patients also set to benefit from a combined pipeline of nearly 15 promising late-stage candidates spanning critical treatment categories such as neuroscience, Hepatitis C, rheumatology, respiratory diseases, contraception and cardiovascular disease. Commenting on this formidable, combined research and development pipeline and significantly broader portfolio of medicines, Mr. Jordan Ter, Managing Director of MSD in both Thailand and Vietnam said, "We are now ranked No. 2 by revenues in both the global and Thai markets. We'll have over 70 medicines and vaccines available meet the unmet medical needs of Thai patients." In the cardiovascular area alone, the full range of cholesterol medicines is expected to create new treatment opportunities via new combinations of existing products while the availability of a Thrombin Receptor Antagonist will further complement MSD's Phase III cardiovascular development portfolio. In the area of respiratory diseases MSD's strong range of medicines is significantly expanded with a number of complementary products, including those for the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Other treatment areas where Thai patients and medical practitioners will benefit from the combined company's portfolio include infectious diseases, specifically Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV), along with women’s health products such as HPV vaccine and a broad range of contraceptive options plus medicines to combat osteoporosis. The merger will allow MSD to better co-ordinate and maximize the ongoing scientific work that is currently being conducted as part of the Company's extensive research and development (R&D) program. R&D is set to benefit from the increased financial and organizational strength of the new MSD. MSD currently has 17 clinical trials are currently underway in Thailand. The newly formed company will remain committed to its long-standing corporate responsibility programs which are designed to enhance the lives of Thai people and communities. "Even in the current tough economic climate, we at MSD believe that good corporate citizenship and good governance have never been more important", said Mr. Ter. "We are committed to ensure that corporate responsibility is a long-term, fundamental part of the way we operate and do business in Thailand. An example of our commitment is the MSD IN-STEP Program which commenced in Phang-nga province during 2006. This initiative was designed to improve Thai student's performance in science through inquiry-based learning," he added. Mr. Ter went on to comment that, "MSD also believes in strong public-private partnerships to help governments improve the quality of its people through science education." About MSD Today's MSD is working to help the world be well. Through our medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer and animal 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 programs that donate and deliver our products to the people who need them. For more information visit: www.msd.com For more information please contact: Mantana Lau MSD (Thailand) Ltd. Tel: (02) 255 5090 Ext 705 Email: [email protected] Chutima Bovonratanachote Hill & Knowlton (Thailand) Tel: (02) 627 3501 Ext. 211 EMail:[email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net

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