( Highlights key data at the 42nd annual ...)Schering-Plough Addresses Major Milestones and Challenges in,Treatment of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C,Health

KENILWORTH, N.J., April 11, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Schering-Plough Corporation reaffirms its commitment to advancing the science and treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with several key data presentations at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 42nd annual meeting in Barcelona, Spain, April 11-15. A total of 38 data presentations highlighting Schering-Plough hepatitis medications will be presented at EASL 2007.

Among these are several studies with PEGINTRON(R) (peginterferon alfa-2b) and REBETOL(R) (ribavirin) combination therapy, a current standard of care in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, evaluating how results at important treatment milestones can help physicians make informed treatment decisions.

Schering-Plough also is exploring novel therapeutic approaches, both through targeted internal research programs and strategic collaborations. Chief among these efforts is boceprevir (SCH 503034), Schering-Plough's investigational oral HCV protease inhibitor currently in Phase II clinical development for treating chronic hepatitis C. Individual in vitro studies of boceprevir in combination with investigational oral HCV polymerase inhibitors from Wyeth/ViroPharma and Idenix/Novartis have been completed and will be presented at EASL.

"Schering-Plough is proud of its long-term role in introducing innovative treatments to the field of hepatitis," said Robert J. Spiegel, M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice president, Schering-Plough Research Institute. "Our vision with PEGINTRON, our cornerstone HCV therapy, and ongoing work with boceprevir, our investigational oral HCV protease inhibitor, is to continue to advance the science and deliver additional treatment options for patients with hepatitis C infection."

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