Jonathan R. Spicehandler, M.D. Retires From Schering-Plough

KENILWORTH, N.J., June 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Schering-Plough Corporation announced today that Jonathan R. Spicehandler, M.D., former chairman of Schering-Plough Research Institute (SPRI), has retired from the company.

During his 24 years with Schering-Plough, Dr. Spicehandler oversaw the development of some of the company's most significant products, including INTRON(R) A (interferon alfa-2b recombinant), an anticancer/antiviral therapy; PEG-INTRON(R) (peginterferon alfa-2b), a longer-acting form of alpha interferon; the nonsedating antihistamine CLARITIN(R) (loratadine); TEMODAR(R) (temozolomide), a chemotherapeutic agent for certain brain tumors; and ZETIA(R) (ezetimibe) and VYTORIN(R) (ezetimibe/simvastatin), novel cholesterol-absorption inhibitor products. His contributions to the broader pharmaceutical industry and scientific communities have been widely recognized.

"Jonathan Spicehandler played a critical role in the formation of SPRI as an important pharmaceutical research organization," said Fred Hassan, chairman and CEO, Schering-Plough Corporation. "He is an outstanding scientific leader who has distinguished himself within the industry and has earned admiration for his contributions as a board member of numerous nonprofit organizations. We wish him all the best in his retirement."

Spicehandler joined Schering-Plough in 1982 as senior director, Immunology before being appointed vice president, Clinical Research. He served as vice president, Biological Research and vice president, Operations before being appointed president of SPRI in 1993. In 2002, he was named SPRI chairman, serving as a scientific advisor to the Schering-Plough Operating Committee as well as to senior management.

Schering-Plough Research Institute (SPRI) is the research and development arm of Schering-Plough Corporation, a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough's vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 32,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is http://www.schering-plough.com/.