GENEVA, Switzerland, January 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Serono (virt-x:
SEO and NYSE: SRA) announced today that the Japanese Ministry of Health,
Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has approved Gonal-f(R) 75 IU and Gonal-f(R) 150 IU
(follitropin alfa recombinant) subcutaneous injection for co-administration
with Profasi(R) 5000 IU (chorionic gonadotropin) for the induction of
spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
    "The registration of GONALEF(R) in Japan is a key milestone in the
fulfillment of our vision of providing a biotech version of FSH on a
world-wide basis. We will continue to work with the Japanese authorities to
register GONALEF(R) in female infertility", commented Jacques Theurillat,
Serono's Deputy Chief Executive Officer and President European &
International Sales & Marketing. "Serono is the only company to offer a
comprehensive portfolio of state-of-the art fertility medications for every
stage of the process for both men and women."
    Gonal-f(R) will be marketed in Japan under the brand name of GONALEF(R)
and has been accorded orphan status by the MHLW. It is anticipated that the
therapy will be launched in the second quarter of 2006.
    Male hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is a significant disease of gonadal
function, which reduces the production of testosterone and induces
spermatogenesis disorder in the testis. In Japan, there are currently no
other appropriate medicines to induce spermatogenesis in adult males.
    The efficacy of GONALEF(R) with Profasi(R) 5000 IU injections was
established based on the results of a Japanese pivotal clinical study in
which significant improvement of spermatogenesis was observed in patients
treated with the combination therapy. In addition, results of overseas
clinical studies were also assessed and submitted to the Japanese authorities.
    About Gonal-f(R)
    Gonal-f(R) is a highly consistent recombinant human follicle-stimulating
hormone (r-hFSH) Filled by Mass (FbM), prescribed to supplement or replace
naturally occurring FSH, an essential hormone to treat infertility.
    For males, Gonal-f(R) has been approved in 56 countries worldwide for
gonadal dysfunction associated with absence of sperm in the semen or male
hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In all markets where Gonal-f(R) is approved
for this indication, the therapy needs to be in combination with hCG, in this
case Profasi(R).
    Gonal-f(R) has been approved in 94 countries worldwide including Europe
and the US with indications of stimulation of the growth of ovarian follicles
and ovulation in women. It is the most widely prescribed gonadotropin in the
world.
    Some of the statements in this press release are forward looking. Such
statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements
of Serono S.A. and affiliates to be materially different from those expected
or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
are based on Serono's current expectations and assumptions, which may be
affected by a number of factors, including those discussed in this press
release and more fully described in Serono's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2005. These
factors include any failure or delay in Serono's ability to develop new
products, any failure to receive anticipated regulatory approvals, any
problems in commercializing current products as a result of competition or
other factors, our ability to obtain reimbursement coverage for our products,
and government regulations limiting our ability to sell our products. Serono
has no responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in
this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the
date of this press release.
    About Serono
    Serono is a global biotechnology leader. The Company has eight
biotechnology products, Rebif(R), Gonal-f(R), Luveris(R), Ovidrel(R
)/Ovitrelle(R), Serostim(R), Saizen(R), Zorbtive(TM) and Raptiva(R). In
addition to being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong
market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth and has recently entered
the psoriasis area. The Company's research programs are focused on growing
these businesses and on establishing new therapeutic areas, including
oncology. Currently, there are approximately 30 ongoing development projects.
    In 2004, Serono achieved worldwide revenues of US$2,458.1 million, and a
net income of US$494.2 million, making it the third largest biotech company
in the world. Its products are sold in over 90 countries. Bearer shares of
Serono S.A., the holding company, are traded on the virt-x (SEO) and its
American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (SRA).

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