ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Addressing more than 100 cardiologists and other medical experts from 24 countries, Fred Hassan, Schering-Plough chairman and CEO, set out four critical priorities for improving the current health care environment. Hassan spoke today at Schering-Plough's fourth annual Cardiovascular Summit in advance of the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions 2007. In his speech, Hassan emphasized the potential for innovations to achieve major medical progress and improved treatment outcomes. He pointed to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (June 7, 2007 issue) that explored the reasons behind a dramatic decrease in U.S. deaths from cardiovascular disease between 1980-2000. Hassan also reviewed the progress of Schering-Plough's transformation, its continuing investment in R&D and the promise of its planned combination with Organon BioSciences N.V. Addressing the broader health care environment, Hassan identified four critical areas of opportunity for improvement: -- First, transform the quality of care; -- Second, transform biopharma's innovation engines; -- Third, support a strong U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and, -- Fourth, improve access and affordability for patients. Hassan's speech (as prepared for delivery) is available via the following link: http://www.schering-plough.com/pdf/HassanCVSummitspeech11-2-07.pdf Schering-Plough is 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 approximately 33,500 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is http://www.schering-plough.com/. DATASOURCE: Schering-Plough CONTACT: Media, Steve Galpin, Jr., +1-908-298-7415, or Investors, Robyn Brown, +1-908-298-7436, both of Schering-Plough Web site: http://www.schering-plough.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/777050.html

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