EATONTOWN, N.J., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Roberts Pharmaceutical
Corporation (Nasdaq: RPCX) and Searle Canada, a unit of Monsanto Canada Inc.,
announced today that Roberts has agreed in principle to acquire a high-
quality, fully-equipped pharmaceutical manufacturing facility currently being
operated by Searle.  The 100,852 square foot facility located in Oakville,
Ontario is approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the
Health Protection Branch of Canada.
    "This is another significant advancement in Roberts long-term strategy to
position itself as a fully integrated, multinational, pharmaceutical company",
commented Dr. Robert A. Vukovich, President and CEO of Roberts.  "Roberts
previously put in place an international sales force with an acquired
portfolio of marketed products; the Company is launching its first pipeline
drug PROAMATINE(TM) and near-term approval of a second pipeline line drug
AGRELIN(R) is anticipated."  Dr. Vukovich continued by noting, "The transfer
of product manufacturing from third-party manufacturers to our own production
facility is a natural evolution in Roberts growth and should, in time, result
in substantial cost savings through reduced cost of goods, lower levels of
inventory, and the integration of Roberts Pharmaceutical Canada from its
leased space in Mississauga, Ontario to the Oakville site.  Such benefits to
Roberts should, in turn, translate into enhanced shareholder value."
    In addition to manufacturing and packaging, the Oakville facility includes
laboratory (QC/QA), warehouse, and administrative space.  Upon finalizing the
purchase, which is expected in early 1997, Searle has agreed in principle to
lease back space for a time.  Searle has also agreed in principle to have
Roberts fulfill certain of Searle's product packaging requirements which are
currently being met by the Oakville facility.  Contract manufacturing by
Roberts of other Searle products may be negotiated prior to the transfer of
the plant's ownership.  In addition, Roberts may consider contract
manufacturing for other pharmaceutical companies.  Also, Roberts will examine
the possibility of cost savings that may arise from the potential
consolidation of its distribution channels for finished goods into the
Oakville site.
    Roberts Pharmaceutical Corporation is an international pharmaceutical
company focusing on the acquisition and development of late-stage drugs.
Roberts currently markets its products in seven countries and has operating
subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom.
    G. D. Searle & Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Monsanto Company, is a
researched-based corporation that develops, manufactures and markets
pharmaceutical products and other health care solutions worldwide.
    This release may contain forward-looking statements which reflect
management's current views of future events and operations.  These forward-
looking statements are based on assumptions and external factors, including
assumptions relating to regulatory action and competing products.  Any changes
in such assumptions or external factors could produce significantly different
results.

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