Kevin Sharer Becomes New PhRMA Board Chairman

Washington, D.C. (September 15, 2006) — Kevin Sharer, president, CEO and chairman of Amgen, became chairman of the board of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) today upon the resignation of Peter R. Dolan of Bristol-Myers Squibb.

In assuming the chairmanship of PhRMA, Sharer outlined priorities for the industry. “PhRMA is uniquely positioned to drive American innovation, confront the toughest healthcare problems, deliver great value to patients and make medicines available to patients who need them,” Sharer said. “We are committed to continue partnering with patients, physicians, and other healthcare stakeholders to achieve these goals.”

“Under Kevin Sharer’s leadership, we will continue to make great strides for patients by enabling America’s pharmaceutical research companies to continue to develop the medicines that help patients live longer, healthier lives,” said Billy Tauzin, PhRMA president and CEO.

Sharer reinforced his commitment to working collaboratively with the industry to achieve PhRMA’s goals. “I take very seriously the responsibility of representing the preeminent global leaders in the pharmaceutical industry who provide life-saving medications to patients, and I am prepared to work alongside all of my colleagues to advance the actions and reputation of the pharmaceutical research companies that PhRMA represents,” Sharer said.

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The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures. PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $39.4 billion in 2005 in discovering and developing new medicines. Industry wide research and investment reached a record $51.3 billion in 2005.

PhRMA Internet Address: www.phrma.org

PhRMA en Español: www.nuestraphrma.org

For information on how innovative medicines save lives, visit: www.innovation.org

For information on the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, visit: www.pparx.org

For information on the danger of imported drugs, visit: www.buysafedrugs.info