$2.2 M Investment in Merck Frosst -CIHR Research Chair on Obesity at Laval University

(from left to right)
Dr. Gilles Lagacé, Director General of the Hôpital Laval, Dr. Michael Kramer, Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health, Dr. Denis Richard, Chairholder, Mr. André Marcheterre, President of Merck Frosst Canada Ltd and Mr. Michel Pigeon, Rector of Laval University

The Chair was created in 1997, thanks to a partnership between the CIHR/Rx&D Research Program and Roche Canada, the Chair's first industrial partner. Today, Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. and CIHR are announcing their contributions of $1,500,000 and $735,000 respectively over five years.

The Merck Frosst / CIHR Research Chair on Obesity will concentrate its efforts around two axes: ongoing research into the neuronal and hormonal processes that control and regulate energy balance, and the dissemination of state-of-the-art knowledge in obesity prevention and treatment. The Chair will pursue its educational work and will continue to hold its prestigious annual international symposium, making Quebec City a mecca for top scientists working in a variety of obesity-related research areas.

"We have made significant strides in understanding and treating the problem of obesity over the last few years, but much remains to be done," said the Chair's holder, Dr. Denis Richard. "This contribution allows us to further advance our knowledge of the problem, which is now taking on alarming proportions."

In Canada, 20% of the population is considered to be obese, and over 50% is overweight. The costs associated with obesity-related health problems are estimated at $4.3 million.

"At Merck Frosst, we are pleased to work in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Université Laval on a research project that emphasizes patient well-being," said Mr. Marcheterre.

"The knowledge that Professor Richard is generating is helping to prevent obesity and promote effective means of improving the health of Canadians," said Dr. Kramer. "Professor Richard's research will continue to increase our scientific understanding of the obesity dilemma and will help us meet Canada's public health needs."

About CIHR
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to close to 10,000 health researchers and trainees in every province of Canada. http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/

About Merck Frosst Canada Ltd.
At Merck Frosst, patients come first. Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. is a research-driven pharmaceutical company. Merck Frosst discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of innovative medicines to improve human health. Merck Frosst is one of the top 20 R&D; investors in Canada, with an investment of $117 million in 2004. The Company is committed to fostering partnerships to deliver the most valuable health outcomes for Canadian patients. More information about Merck Frosst is available at http://www.merckfrosst.com/

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For further information

Jean-François Huppé
Public Affairs Division
Laval University
Tel. : (418) 656-7785
jean-francois.huppe@dap.ulaval.ca

Vincent Lamoureux
Public Affairs
Merck Frosst Canada Ltd.
Office: (514) 428-3456
vincent.lamoureux@merck.com

Marie-France Poirier
CIHR Media Relations
Tel. : (613) 941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca