CommonHealth Wins Novartis Non-Steroidal Eczema-Therapy Assignment; First in a New Class of Drugs Targeting Inflammatory Skin Disease.

Business Editors

PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2000

CommonHealth today announced it has been awarded promotional responsibilities on SDZ ASM 981, the first ascomycin in a new class of non-steroidal drugs developed specifically for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. CommonHealth, the world's leading healthcare-communications network, is a WPP Group (LSE: WPPL.L; NASDAQ/ADR: WPPGY; www.wpp.com) company.

Noesis Healthcare Interactions will handle professional advertising and promotion on the account. The Quantum Group, a sister CommonHealth unit, will be responsible for the consumer effort. SDZ ASM 981, which is being developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, is a non-steroidal ascomycin derivative. It will be one of the first new treatment options for eczema to have been developed in 40 years.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disorder in the U.S. and a major health problem. Its prevalence has increased by at least 30 percent since 1970 and the disease now affects some five to 12 percent of Americans, most of whom develop the disease within the first five years of life. The mainstay of treatment for the majority of patients is the short-term use of topical corticosteroids. However, side effects and safety concerns, both real and perceived, remain a barrier to treatment success.

"We're pleased with the vote of confidence this important assignment represents. With the addition of ASM 981, we can continue to assist Novartis in improving the lives of an even more diverse patient base," said Bruce Epstein, executive vice president and general manager of Noesis Healthcare Interactions, a full-service professional agency that opened its doors in Morristown, N.J., in August. Noesis is also the Novartis agency-of-record for the Lotrel, Starlix, and Lotensin brands.

"One of the reasons Novartis chose Noesis is our focus on maximizing interactions at every level of marketing: between the client's brand team and its sales force, between the brand and healthcare professionals, and between the brand team and the agency," Mr. Epstein said. "By adding Quantum to the mix, we can also improve the interaction between the physician and the eczema sufferer."

Stu Klein, executive vice president and general manager of The Quantum Group, the largest agency in the U.S. devoted exclusively to DTC advertising, agreed, adding: "Quantum is proud to be assigned SDZ ASM 981, as the drug has the potential to be groundbreaking therapy for patients suffering with eczema. We understand how emotionally debilitating eczema can be, and look forward to working with Novartis to ensure that patients are aware of this new treatment option.

"We are especially pleased to be working with Noesis, as our partnership will enhance the dialogue between patient and physician, " Mr. Klein added.

CommonHealth comprises Noesis Healthcare Interactions, The Quantum Group, Adient, CommonHealth Australia, CommonHealth Europe, CommonHealth Kyowa, EinsonHealth, Enterprise IG Health, Gowers Advertising, Health Learning Systems, the Hill and Knowlton Health and Pharmaceutical Practice, MBS/Vox, MD&A/Salud, OZM Group, ProCom International, The Conectics Group, The Xchange Group and Thomas Ferguson Associates.

CommonHealth also has partnerships with the following companies: CIA Medianetwork, Medical Broadcasting Company (MBC), Ogilvy Healthcare Network/China and Softwatch.