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{\pard\sa900\fs50\f0\i Media Release\par}
{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Basel, 22 October 2003 \line \line {\b Unique agreement 
between Roche and Aspreva to develop CellCept in autoimmune diseases} \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Roche 
and Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corporation today announced a collaboration to develop CellCept (Mycophenolate 
Mofetil/ MMF) in several autoimmune diseases. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 CellCept is the leading immunosuppressant 
in transplantation. In over a decade of clinical experience CellCept has demonstrated that it provides 
potent immunosuppression, preventing organ rejection without the long-term toxic effects associated 
with other therapies. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Organ rejection is an immune reaction with many parallels 
to autoimmune disease. CellCept\u8217?s unique mode of action and positive efficacy and safety data in the 
transplant market suggest it could also benefit many autoimmune disease patients.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 For 
several years physicians have been increasingly interested in investigating the use of CellCept in a 
variety of autoimmune diseases. Some of the most promising results so far have been seen in lupus (a 
disease causing chronic skin rash and affecting other body systems), myasthenia gravis (a disorder characterized 
by weakening of the muscles and fatigue, notably affecting the muscles of the mouth and throat), pemphigus 
vulgaris (a skin disease characterized by blisters that heal poorly) and autoimmune hepatitis. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Through 
the new collaboration, Aspreva will now build upon this evidence base by undertaking a global clinical 
program that will form the basis of formal regulatory submissions for CellCept in autoimmune diseases. 
This enables Roche to maintain focus on CellCept\u8217?s core market, transplantation, while extending the 
potential benefits of CellCept to a broader patient population. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Under the 
terms of the deal Aspreva Pharmaceuticals has obtained exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Japan) 
to develop and market CellCept in autoimmune disease applications. Roche will register and invoice such 
sales as may result and will share the proceeds with Aspreva.\line \u8220?By bringing together the 
complimentary expertise of our two organizations, we are better able to enhance the value of this key 
Roche brand. Roche will stay focused on serving the needs of transplant patients, and Aspreva will undertake 
the specialized development necessary to expand the use of CellCept into autoimmune disease,\u8221? said William 
M. Burns, Head of Roche\u8217?s Pharmaceuticals Division. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Richard Glickman, Chairman 
and CEO of Aspreva Pharmaceuticals said: \u8220?Roche is an ideal partner for Aspreva. We share the same philosophy 
of providing high quality evidence based medicine that can help address the needs of underserved patient 
populations.\u8221?\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 There are more than 80 clinically distinct autoimmune diseases 
which collectively affect an estimated 5-8% of the population. In the US alone, as many as 22 million 
people are affected. Most of these conditions are highly debilitating and under-treated, creating significant 
social and financial burdens. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 New data on CellCept in autoimmune diseases 
will be presented at the meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, Orlando, USA 25 - 28th October 
2003. This will include a plenary session describing the potential role of CellCept in lupus nephritis, 
the most serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About 
CellCept } \line CellCept was first approved in 1995 for renal transplant, and the indications 
for CellCept now also include heart, liver and pediatric kidney transplants. In the USA CellCept is 
the leading branded transplant medicine for the prevention of rejection, and it has been used to treat 
approximately 593,000 transplant patients worldwide. In over a decade of clinical experience CellCept 
has demonstrated that it provides potent immunosuppression, preventing organ rejection without the long-term 
toxic effects associated with other therapies. CellCept prevents immune reactions through a unique mode 
of action which is highly relevant for many autoimmune disease patients.\par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About 
Autoimmune Diseases} \line Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the 
body\u8217?s own cells rather than invading microorganisms. There are more than 80 clinically distinct autoimmune 
diseases, each affecting the body in different ways. Presentation of these diseases can also vary from 
patient to patient with the same condition. For example, in lupus many parts of the body are affected, 
especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. But the extent to which each is affected can vary from 
patient to patient. lupus nephritis \u8211? damage to the kidneys caused by autoantibodies - is the most serious 
complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. It can lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant. 
\line Corticosteroids are still the mainstay of treatment for many autoimmune diseases and 
physicians have to constantly balance the requirement for best possible disease control with the drug 
related morbidities associated with long term steroid exposure. For example, no treatments have been 
approved for lupus in over for 30 years, and the current standard of care, the cancer drug cyclophosphamide, 
is associated with significant drug related morbidity. \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 
innovation-driven healthcare groups. Its core businesses are pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche 
is number one in the global diagnostics market, the leading supplier of pharmaceuticals for cancer and 
a leader in virology and transplantation. As a supplier of products and services for the prevention, 
diagnosis and treatment of disease, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people\u8217?s 
health and quality of life. Roche employs roughly 65,000 people in 150 countries. The Group has alliances 
and research and development agreements with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests 
in Genentech and Chugai. \par}{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 {\b About Aspreva } \line Aspreva 
Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on addressing the needs of underserved 
patient populations by developing new indications for approved medicines. Aspreva\u8217?s asset partnering 
program allows its partners to maintain core brand focus while extending the benefits of their medicines 
to a broader patient population. \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}
}