NRC: Funding to Search for Ways to Help 500,000 Children Breathe Easier

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE-EDWARD-ISLAND AND MONTREAL,
QUEBEC, Sep 05 (MARKET WIRE) --
Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. is funding an asthma-related project initiated
by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Earlier this year,
Merck Frosst approved a proposal by a Charlottetown-based immunologist at
the NRC Institute for Nutrisciences and Health. Under the direction of
Dr. Marianna Kulka, the pre-clinical pediatric asthma study is expected
to wrap up by December 2008.

"NRC's relationship with Merck Frosst is an example of our strategy to
unite public and private research strengths as we put science to work for
Canada," says NRC President Dr. Pierre Coulombe. "By teaming up with
biopharmaceutical leaders like Merck Frosst, NRC can further innovate to
help improve human health, including the health of Canadian children."

More than half a million Canadian children have asthma. Through Merck
Frosst's Investigator Initiated Study Program, NRC will receive nearly
$76,000, including a supply of the study medication SINGULAIR(R)
(montelukast), to conduct a pre-clinical research project relating to
pediatric asthma. Canadian scientists at the Merck Frosst Centre for
Therapeutic Research in Montreal discovered the study drug montelukast

"Partnering with the scientists from the National Research Council will
foster synergy that will help better understand the pathophysiology of
childhood asthma," says Dr Michel Cimon, Medical Director, Merck Frosst
Canada. "Through research projects such as this one, Merck Frosst is
committed to working closely with Canadian renowned scientists like Dr.
Kulka."

About NRC

Recognized globally for research and innovation, the National Research
Council of Canada (NRC) works hand in hand with partners from industry,
government and universities to help ignite the spark of innovation in
communities across the country and give Canadian companies a competitive
edge in today's marketplace. For more information, visit
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

About Merck Frosst

At Merck Frosst, patients come first. Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. is a
research-driven pharmaceutical company discovering, developing and
marketing a broad range of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve
human health. Merck Frosst is one of the top 25 R&D investors in Canada,
with an investment of close to $110 million in 2007. More information
about Merck Frosst is available at www.merckfrosst.com and additional
information about SINGULAIR(R) may be found by visiting
http://merckfrosst.ca/mfcl/en/corporate/newsroom/product_news/singulair.html

(R)Registered Trademark of Merck & Co., Inc. Used under license.

www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Contacts:
National Research Council Canada
Natalie Hall
Media Relations
613-990-6091
Natalie.Hall@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Merck Frosst Canada Ltd.
Martine Drolet
Manager, Public Affairs
514-428-3037

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