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Alzheimer's medication Memantine exceeds blockbuster mark of 1 billion US dollars

Frankfurt, 15.05.2007

The Alzheimer medication Memantine active ingredient developed and marketed by Merz Pharmaceuticals, Frankfurt, Germany, for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease has surpassed the 1 billion US dollar mark. The product is marketed under the brand names Namenda®, Ebixa®, Axura® and Akatinol® and takes second place worldwide in the number of prescriptions written for it.

Treatment with Memantine is contributing to making the daily life of many Alzheimer's patients and their loved ones more livable. The unique active mechanism protects nerve cells from the damaging effects of the concentrations of glutamate found in the brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients. The prevention of such concentrations through the use of Memantine can significantly slow the progress of dementia and relieve its symptoms.

Dr. Jochen Hückmann, Chairman of the shareholders' council of the Merz Group says, "Without the focused work of many members of our staff from the very first hours of research through to the present day of approvals, and without the excellent work of our partners Forest Laboratories and Lundbeck who market Memantine in Europe and the US, we would never have had this kind of success."
Memantine sales have grown continuously since its launch on the German, European and US markets. Dr. Martin Zügel, CEO of Merz Pharmaceuticals says, "We don't want to rest on our laurels after reaching this mark. Our goal for the future will continue to be to develop Memantine on its various markets in order to ensure that as many patients as possible will receive effective treatment. We will also continue to work on our pipeline in the indication of Alzheimer's dementia."

Merz reinvests most of its revenues in the company, particularly in research and development. In the recent fiscal year 2005/06, Merz invested almost 50 million Euros (67 million US$) in its pharmaceutical research. This investment has always been significantly increased year for year.
A German pharmaceutical company with its own basic research and development, Merz concentrates on both the development of new substances and the search for new active ingredients.

About Merz

Merz specializes in drugs for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric illnesses and is a leader in the field of Alzheimer's research. Merz developed Memantine, the world's first drug for the treatment of moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's disease. Among drugs to combat Alzheimer's, Memantine is the second-largest in the world. Another area of competence at Merz is clinical and cosmetic dermatology.
Along with the pharmaceuticals market, Merz is active in the healthcare sector outside of pharmacies as well. With its tetesept® and Merz Spezial® brands, in German-speaking countries Merz is a leading provider of products for self-medication, dietary supplements, beauty and wellness.A Merz subsidiary, Senator GmbH & Co. KGaA, is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality promotional writing instruments worldwide. The Merz Group employs 1,900 employees worldwide.

The company achieved revenues of € 475 million in the 2005/06 fiscal year.

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Alzheimer's medication Memantine

Photographic material available on request.

Contact:

Merz GmbH & Co. KGaA
Ute Weinhold
Corporate Communications
Eckenheimer Landstraße 100
60318 Frankfurt
GERMANY
Tel.: + 49 (0)69 / 15 03 - 889
Fax: + 49 (0)69 / 15 03 - 581
E-Mail: ute.weinhold@merz.de

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