Asmanex (Mometasone Furoate) Twisthaler Available In United Kingdom For Treatment Of Asthma

KENILWORTH, NJ -- January 21, 2003 -- Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) today announced that Asmanex Twisthaler (mometasone furoate Dry Powder Inhaler) is being launched in the European Union (EU) as therapy in the control and management of mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma in patients 12 years of age and older. The introduction of Asmanex Twisthaler represents a major new treatment option in helping asthma patients manage their disease.

Asmanex Twisthaler, approved under the EU's Mutual Recognition Procedure, has been launched in the United Kingdom (UK), the Reference Member State. Launches in other EU markets are expected to occur over the next few months. Asmanex Twisthaler has unified labeling that is valid in 14 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK) as well as in Iceland and Norway.

"The launch of ASMANEX, our first asthma therapy in international markets, represents an important advance for Schering-Plough," said Richard Jay Kogan, president and chief executive officer. "With its introduction in Europe, the product is expected to significantly strengthen our respiratory portfolio, which includes NASONEX, an inhaled nasal steroid for allergies, and CLARINEX, our once-daily nonsedating antihistamine," he said.

"ASMANEX provides a valuable addition to the therapies available to physicians for treating asthma, a serious and life-threatening disease that affects millions of Europeans," said Hans-Jorg Kummer, chairman, Schering-Plough Europe/Canada/Middle East, Africa. "The product's proven efficacy, convenient once-daily dosing and easy-to-use device may help patients better adhere to their dosing regimen and assist in achieving control of their asthma symptoms."

Asmanex Twisthaler, a dry powder inhaler, contains the orally inhaled corticosteroid mometasone furoate, which was discovered and developed by Schering-Plough Research Institute. The product employs a state-of-the-art, inhalation-driven device that does not use a propellant, thus eliminating the need for hand-breath coordination.

Asmanex Twisthaler is currently approved in 27 countries worldwide. Additional marketing applications are currently undergoing regulatory review in countries worldwide, including in the United States.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information in this press release includes certain "forward-looking" statements relating to Asmanex Twisthaler, including its market potential in Europe and the timing of its launch. The reader of this press release should understand that the extent that the Asmanex Twisthaler will be prescribed in Europe will be determined by market factors, and that the market viability of Asmanex Twisthaler is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. In addition, the forward-looking statements may also be adversely affected by general market and economic factors, competitive product development, product availability, the extent of market acceptance of new products, current and future branded and generic competition, government regulations and legislation, existing and new manufacturing issues that may arise, trade buying patterns, patent positions, litigation and investigations. For further details and a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see the company's SEC filings, including the company's 2001 annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

Schering-Plough is a research-based company engaged in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products worldwide.