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{\pard\sa900\fs50\f0\i Media Release\par}
{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Basel, 25 February 2003 \line \line {\b Roche and 
Chugai to jointly develop and promote Chugai\u8217?s promising new Rheumatoid Arthritis medicine} \line First 
licensing agreement between the two companies outside of Japan\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Roche and Chugai 
announced today that they intend to co-develop and co-promote MRA, Chugai\u8217?s innovative biologic medicine 
to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). MRA is the first drug to be in-licensed by Roche from Chugai, since 
the alliance between Roche and Chugai to create a leading pharmaceutical company in Japan was completed 
in October 2002. Under this alliance, Roche has the first refusal right to license-in all products (outside 
Japan and South Korea) for which Chugai seeks a partner. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Roche will co-develop 
MRA and promote it in all countries except Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The parties will co-promote 
in the UK, France and Germany. Chugai reserves an opt-in right to co-promote in the USA, Italy and Spain. 
Under the terms of the agreement, Chugai and Roche will establish a joint development office in the 
UK to govern all activities with regard to the development of MRA. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Recent 
data show that MRA, having completed Phase II clinical development, is effective in treating Rheumatoid 
Arthritis and can improve lives of people suffering from this debilitating disease. MRA complements 
and strengthens Roche\u8217?s efforts in the area of Rheumatoid Arthritis. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 \u8220?We are 
committed to achieving speedy implementation of the MRA development plans in collaboration with Roche. 
Chugai wants to maximize the commercial value of MRA in the rapidly growing biologics markets and further 
develop Chugai's international businesses with MRA. This is only feasible under the alliance with Roche\u8221?, 
said Osamu Nagayama, Chairman of Chugai.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 \u8220?We are very excited to have signed 
the first product deal with the new member of the Roche group, Chugai. This alliance will benefit all 
parties involved; while Chugai brings in a very promising drug, Roche can offer its development experience 
and its marketing strength around the world\u8221? said Franz B. Humer, Chairman and CEO of Roche. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About 
MRA} \line MRA is a humanized anti-human IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody and with its 
novel mechanism of action will provide a new and effective form of treatment for RA. Chugai has completed 
Phase II studies in Japan and Europe, and is preparing to enter Phase III clinical studies. Other indications, 
such as Castleman\u8217?s disease, Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis, Crohn\u8217?s diseases and multiple myeloma are 
also in clinical development.\line MRA is being developed in collaboration with Osaka University. 
\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About Rheumatoid Arthritis} \line Rheumatoid arthritis 
is an autoimmune disorder of unknown cause characterized by symmetric joint inflammation with erosive 
synovitis and, in some cases extraarticular involvement. Most of patients experience a chronic fluctuating 
course of disease with joint swelling and pain that, despite therapy, may result in progressive joint 
destruction and ultimately lead to loss of function of joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects almost 6 
million people around the world.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About Roche} \line Headquartered 
in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world\u8217?s leading research-orientated healthcare groups. The 
company's two core businesses in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics provide innovative products and services 
that address prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, thus enhancing people\u8217?s health and quality 
of life. The two core businesses achieved a turnover of 19.3 billion Swiss Francs in the first three 
quarters of 2002 and employed about 57,000 employees worldwide.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About 
Chugai} \line Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is one of Japan\u8217?s leading research-based 
pharmaceutical companies with strengths in biotechnology products and in the therapeutic fields of oncology, 
renal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, bone/joint diseases and transplantation/infection/immunity. 
With pharmaceutical sales of 193 billion yen in 2001, Chugai has invested in research and development 
capabilities in the US and Europe, and has established sales and marketing operations in France, Germany 
and the UK. Chugai employs 5,867 employees world-wide.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 All trademarks used 
or mentioned in this release are legally protected.\par}
{\pard \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 {\b F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd}\line 4070 Basel\line Switzerland \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 Corporate Communications\line Roche Group Media Relations \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 Tel. +41 61 688 88 88\line Fax +41 61 688 27 75\line www.roche.com \par}
}