EMD Serono, Inc. Announces Expansion with Research Site in Cambridge, Massachusetts

EMD Serono, Inc. Announces Expansion with Research Site in Cambridge,
Massachusetts

- Supports US Drug Discovery Activities in Neurodegenerative Diseases-

ROCKLAND, Mass., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- EMD Serono, Inc. announced today
that it will open a site in Cambridge, Massachusetts to support its growing
Research function. The Cambridge laboratory space will accommodate EMD
Serono's US drug discovery activities in neurodegenerative diseases such as
multiple sclerosis (MS), which will augment the company's existing US research
in oncology and fertility. EMD Serono expects to occupy the site with nearly
50 scientists across disciplines, including neurobiology, pharmacology and
chemistry, to work at the location.

"This research expansion further supports EMD Serono's commitment to develop
and deliver innovative therapies for patients in our areas of focus," said
Fereydoun Firouz, President and CEO, EMD Serono, Inc. "EMD Serono is following
our outlined strategy to broaden our research capabilities by expanding our
footprint in the state of Massachusetts in close proximity to leading academic
centers and qualified expertise that can be complimentary to our organization
and add researchers that can grow with our team. I am proud to be delivering
on our plans of continued investments to firmly establish a foothold within
the state and with this expansion we confirm and reinforce our strong
commitment to neurodegenerative diseases and MS research."

"EMD Serono's continued expansion in Massachusetts confirms the leadership's
commitment to growing in the state and providing talented individuals with
potential employment opportunities as they work to develop new treatment
options for the many patients in need," said Robert Coughlin, President and
CEO of Massachusetts Biotechnology Council. "This is an important
announcement, during this time of economic pressure that gives some
reassurance that leading biopharmaceutical companies such as EMD Serono have
stability with hiring, expanding and investing plans still on track."

In 2008, EMD Serono announced a planned expansion of its Billerica laboratory
to create a center of excellence in discovery, which is scheduled for
completion in 2010. The Cambridge satellite laboratory, which will be
approximately 18,000 square feet in size, will address the company's immediate
need to secure necessary laboratory space for its additional scientists as a
result of accelerated employee growth.

EMD Serono completed the first Phase III trial of an oral multiple sclerosis
drug, cladribine, which is targeted for registration filing later this year.
With these additional capabilities the company plans to focus research and
development efforts towards Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative
diseases.

About EMD Serono, Inc.

EMD Serono, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leader
in the US biopharmaceutical arena, integrating cutting-edge science with
unparalleled patient support systems to improve people's lives.

The company has strong market positions in neurodegenerative diseases, with
Rebif(R) (interferon beta-1a), as well as in endocrinology, with Saizen(R)
(somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection) and Serostim(R) (somatropin (rDNA
origin) for injection). EMD Serono is a leader in fertility treatments, with
Gonal-f(R) (follitropin alfa for injection), Luveris(R) (lutropin alfa for
injection) and Ovidrel(R) Prefilled Syringe (choriogonadotropin alfa
injection). With a clear focus on the patient and a leadership presence in the
biopharmaceutical industry, EMD Serono's US footprint continues to grow, with
more than 1000 employees around the country and fully integrated commercial,
clinical and research operations in the company's home state of Massachusetts.

For more information, please visit www.emdserono.com

SOURCE EMD Serono, Inc.

Renee Connolly, +1-781-681-2340