Release issued 14th July 2005

The 17th edition of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC, 30 June -2 July 2005, Geneva, Switzerland) saw Helsinn participate as Platinum Sponsor in light of its increasing commitment in the field of Supportive Care in Oncology.

Helsinn's Aloxi and Gelclair® partners also gave a strong impulse to the event by inviting over 100 physicians out of the approximately 600 registered participants. Helsinn provided substantial support for the recent launch of Aloxi in the EU with various scientific and promotional activities:

Satellite Symposium …

A comprehensive description of the efficacy and safety profile of this agent was given during a successful satellite symposium held on Friday 1st July 2005 entitled:

NEW FRONTIERS IN THE PREVENTION OF CINV

The symposium was chaired by two of the most eminent people in the field:

Matti Aapro, MD President of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer

Fausto Roila, MD Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Hospital, Perugia, Italy

The panel of speakers involved was also of the highest level in the scientific community:

Ronald De Wit, MD, Ph.D, Erasmus University Medical Center & Rotterdam Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands: How to improve CINV control: the role of the new generation 5HT3 receptor antagonist palonosetron

Steven Grunberg, MD, Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA: Controlling CINV symptoms: towards excellence with palonosetron

Petra Feyer, Prof, MD, Vivantes Clinics Neukolln, Berlin, Germany: A safe and easy to use antiemetic: additional benefits to efficacy

Rebecca Clark-Snow, RN, BSN, OCN, University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, US: Antiemetic efficacy in patients receiving chemotherapy of high and moderate emetic risk: case presentations

Interesting data on this agent, starting from the pivotal phase III clinical trials to the newest clinical studies and the post- marketing surveillance (PMS) experience, were presented. In addition, case histories of patients at risk of developing CINV from real life confirmed the efficacy of palonosetron in the prevention of CINV. The attendance was extremely high and the feedback from the audience highlighted the good acceptance of this new generation 5HT3.

Posters/abstracts …

New data on Aloxi, a second-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist effective in the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), were presented in the form of scientific abstracts and posters:

A total of four scientific abstracts and posters were also presented on palonosetron.

• Pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety evaluation of Palonosetron (PALO) administered as a 15-minute infusion versus a 30-second infusion in healthy subjects

A study describing an alternative and common administration of 5HT3 RAs: palonosetron infused over 15 minutes. This schedule, which was shown to be applicable and safe, may represent a step forward in the use of Aloxi.

• Palonosetron + Dexamethasone is Safe and Effective When Co-Administered as an Infusion in Patients Receiving Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy (MEC): Results of an Open-Label, Pilot Study

Palonosetron, similarly to the other 5HT3 RAs, shows an incremental efficacy benefit when dexamethasone is added and the infusion (15-min infusion) of pre-mixed palonosetron and dexamethasone is a valid, effective and safe alternative administration.

• Palonosetron (PALO) is More Effective than Ondansetron or Dolasetron (OND/DOL) in Reducing Interference with Patient Functioning Caused by Acute CINV Following Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy (MEC)

Patients receiving palonosetron had significantly less interference in performing their usual daily activities compared with patients receiving first-generation 5HT3 RAs. This significant reduction of interference in functioning represents another point of distinction for a significant benefit to cancer patients.

• Post-marketing experience of palonosetron confirms a favorable benefit/risk profile

After more than 1 year of marketing (Sept 2003 - Jan 2005) and over>1.3 million patient exposures in USA only 81 spontaneous reports were recorded from post-marketing surveillance (PMS). The combination of a distinguishing efficacy profile and a convenient and safe dosage that covers the acute and delayed phase following a single IV dose of 0.25 mg allows to indicate for Aloxi® a definitely positive benefit-risk.

AND … in the Exhibition Hall ……….

Helsinn was also actively present at this important congress with its own sponsored exhibition booth focused on the company's oncological products. The booth attracted the interest of the visitors and allowed to evidence Helsinn as company committed to the Cancer Supportive Care area and to have a high level of direct interaction with the scientific community present at the event.

(13th July 2005) HELSINN'S STRONG PRESENCE AT THE EULAR 2005 WITH ORIGINAL NIMESULIDE AND OXAPROZIN

(22nd June 2005) HELSINN AND ANGELINI ANNOUNCE A LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR ALOXI(R) IN PORTUGAL

(13th June 2005) EXELIXIS AND HELSINN SIGN AGREEMENT FOR XL119 (Becatecarin)

(1st June 2005) Helsinn Healthcare Licenses a Supportive Care Product from Roche

(30th May 2005) HELSINN'S ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 CERTIFICATION