Gosselin. Axcan's core business, always geared
towards gastroenterology, revolves around five therapeutic areas: diseases of
the liver, the pancreas, the bowel, gastrointestinal (GI) and GI-related
cancers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Assuming continued positive results of clinical trials and regulatory
approval, Axcan's product candidates approaching commercialization are:

<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Candidate Indication Estimated Launch Date
------------------ -------------------------------------------------------
HELIZIDE Eradication of - Second half, fiscal 2006
Helicobacter
pylori bacterium
----------------------------------------------------------------------- --
CANASA (rectal gel) Treatment of Distal - Second half, fiscal 2006
Ulcerative Colitis
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
ITAX Treatment of - First half, fiscal 2007
Functional Dyspepsia

Treatment of - Fiscal 2008
Diabetic Gastroparesis
------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
HEPENAX Treatment of - Second half , fiscal 2008
Porto-Systemic
Encephalopathy
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTOFRIN Treatment of - Phase III to start during
Cholangiocarcinoma second quarter 2005

- Launch date to be
determined
------------------------ -------------------------------------------------
>>

ABOUT AXCAN PHARMA

Axcan is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company involved in the field
of gastroenterology.5 months compared to 12 months for the patients' prior
line of therapy;
* A 40 percent overall response rate was achieved in MCL, including three
complete and two unconfirmed complete responses;
* Median event-free survival for responding patients with MCL was 10
months compared to only 4., a leading biopharmaceutical company
based in Cambridge, Mass.01, respectively) and during
mastication (by 19 percent; P=0.i. Change from baseline
was assessed for both Zelnorm and Placebo . Zelnorm also is approved for use in Chronic Constipation in more
than 15 countries, including Mexico and many of the Latin American countries.

hirsutism hydranencephaly

Gosselin, announced a new era of growth for Axcan citing as key factors, the
expansion of the Company's product pipeline during the last five years,
including the potential "blockbuster" drug, ITAX (itopride hydrochloride) for
the treatment of functional dyspepsia , and a 9% to 11% increase in the fiscal
2005 research and development budget. One patient in the weekly arm and
seven patients in the twice-weekly arm experienced a grade 3 or 4 side
effect. Fourteen percent of patients
reported at least one episode of grade 4 toxicity; the most common grade 4
toxicities were thrombocytopenia (4%), neutropenia (2%), and hypercalcemia
(2% ). A total of 144 patients on VELCADE (44%) reported serious adverse events
(SAEs) during the study .
VELCADE is being co-developed by Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "Results of this nature deepen our
understanding of the impact various disorders can have on how the GI tract
works and how Zelnorm may help to restore its normal function.d.02).05); frequency of epigastric discomfort, heartburn/acid reflux, and
chest pain (all P<0.05). Ischemic colitis and other forms of
intestinal ischemia have been reported in patients receiving Zelnorm during
marketed use of the drug. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results with Zelnorm to
be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such statements.com or by contacting Maryon Clark of Novartis
Pharmaceuticals Corporation at (862) 778-0312 or via e-mail at
maryon.

paraplegia hyperthyroid

Interim study results
were reported from the multicenter, phase II trial of weekly versus twice-
weekly dosing of VELCADE in combination with rituximab, in patients with
indolent lymphomas. for the treatment of multiple
myeloma (MM) patients who have received at least one prior therapy.D.6 months for the patients' prior line of
therapy; and
* Adverse events observed were generally manageable and included
thrombocytopenia , lymphopenia, sensory neuropathy and rash. "VELCADE as a single agent or in combination with
conventional therapies in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affords patients with these
diseases new treatment opportunities ., and presented by Sandra Strauss,
M. Results from 25 evaluable patients included:

* A response rate which included minor and partial responses of 80
percent:
-- Partial response rate (greater than or equal to 50 percent decrease
in IgM) of 36 percent;
-- Minor response rate (greater than or equal to 25 percent decrease in
IgM) of 44 percent;
* Decreases in serum IgM observed in 24 out of 25 patients with a median
44 percent decrease; and
* Adverse events included neutropenia, leukopenia, gastrointestinal
symptoms and sensory neuropathy. Women of childbearing potential
should avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with VELCADE. It is indicated as a monotherapy for use in
patients with progressive MM who have received at least one prior therapy and
who have already undergone or are unsuitable for bone marrow transplantation. By applying its knowledge of the human genome, its
understanding of disease mechanisms and its industrialized drug discovery
platform, Millennium is seeking to develop breakthrough products.
(2) 2005, American Cancer Society, Inc.009, respectively).

pallister hyperparathyroidism

6 million with net income of $48.

"Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995.

This release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the
Company 's current expectations regarding future events. and
its subsidiaries.

"These results suggest that in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle
cell or indolent lymphomas, VELCADE provides meaningful clinical activity with
promising event-free survival where conventional chemotherapy has failed,"
said Dr.

About VELCADE(R) (bortezomib) for Injection
VELCADE is indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients who
have received at least one prior therapy.
"Upper GI disorders affect millions of Americans and we are encouraged to
see that in addition to providing relief to millions of IBS-C and chronic
constipation sufferers, Zelnorm may now offer hope to this population as
well," said Alex Gorsky, chief operating officer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Corporation. In some patients,
the inability of the stomach to properly accommodate (expand to hold food) or
impaired gastric compliance (the elasticity of the stomach wall) may play an
important role in causing the symptoms of dyspepsia. These
data suggest Zelnorm affects a sensory pathway in the stomach of these
patients that triggers its expansion, allowing it to accommodate a meal. This was recorded during a 30-minute period to simulate and quantify
meal-induced stomach relaxation and the severity of dyspeptic symptoms during
gastric volume measurements.003) and during stimulation with mastication
(by 15 percent; P<0. Symptom occurrence was compared
using McNemar tests. For further information please consult http://www.novartis.clark@novartis.

hypopituitarism hemolytic

Total revenues for the Company in fiscal
2004 were $243. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors,
including, but not limited to, the successful and timely completion of
clinical studies, the difficulty of predicting FDA and other regulatory
approvals, the commercialization of a drug or therapy after regulatory
approval is received, acceptance and demand for new pharmaceutical
products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product
development and launch, reliance on key strategic alliances, availability
of raw materials, the regulatory environment, fluctuations in our
operating results, the protection of our intellectual property and other
risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and under the Canadian Securities
Commissions .L.

Results Show Promise for Zelnorm in the Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders

Saliva samples were collected
basally, during mastication and during the esophageal phase (after placement
of a specially designed esophageal catheter) to initial sodium chloride
followed by hydrochloric acid /pepsin and final sodium chloride, to mimic
gastroesophageal reflux. The rate of secretion of salivary bicarbonate and
non-bicarbonate buffers also increased significantly in basal conditions (by
44 percent; P<0. Distress from regurgitation was
the only symptom significantly improved by placebo and not by Zelnorm when
compared to baseline score (P<0. Zelnorm is the first
in a novel class of drugs that act as an agonist at 5HT4 (serotonin type 4)
receptors.04 percent) and during
marketed use of Zelnorm.
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ
approximately 81,400 people and operate in over 140 countries around the
world.

pallister hirsutism

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders - Axcan Prepares for a New Era of Growth - Advances ITAX Development Program and Launch Strategy

7 million (all dollar amounts
stated in US dollars).

The names ITAX, Salofalk, Helizide , Hepenax, Photofrin and Canasa
appearing in this press release are trademarks of Axcan Pharma Inc.S. Dosing schedules, weekly or twice-weekly, in combination
with the standard weekly dose of rituximab in patients with relapsed or
refractory indolent NHL were evaluated. VELCADE is approved in more than 50 countries
worldwide, including the U.
Millennium and J+JPRD continue to investigate VELCADE globally in phase I, II
and III clinical trials in both hematologic and solid tumors, including front-
line MM, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and lung, prostate and ovarian cancers.
For more information about VELCADE clinical trials, patients and
physicians can contact the Millennium Medical Product Information Department
at 1-866-VELCADE (1-866-835-2233).

About Millennium
Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2005; abst #6563. in a double-blind randomized fashion.i. Thus, the improvement of the stomach's motor function with a
simulated meal suggests a therapeutic role for Zelnorm in dyspepsia patients. In salivary samples, the volume and the content of
salivary buffers, protein , mucin, EGF, TGF alpha, and PGE2 were measured using
standard methods. The esophageal secretion from submucosal
mucous glands was collected, using the specially designed esophageal perfusion
catheter , during mucosal exposure to initial NaCl followed by HCl/pepsin and
final NaCl to mimic the natural gastroesophageal reflux scenario.9 percent).

About DDW
Digestive Disease Week (DDW ) is the largest international gathering of
physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology,
hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery.com

leukoplakia paraplegia

com/cgi-bin/prnh /19991220/MLNMLOGO )
"We are very encouraged by the combination data results and given that
many patients are still being treated and have not progressed, we could
potentially see more responses ," said Mansoor Saleh, M. Millennium
and Johnson + Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development L.

The following is summary data from the clinical studies of VELCADE in
lymphoma presented at Lugano:

Phase II Study of VELCADE(R) (bortezomib) for Injection Plus Rituximab in
Indolent NHL
The randomized, multicenter phase II study led by Andre Goy, M.

Phase II Studies in Single Agent VELCADE for Indolent and Mantle Cell
Lymphomas
A multicenter phase II study led by Owen A.D.D., of Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, assessed patients
with relapsed or refractory disease and a median of two prior lines of
therapy.S. The Company's research, development and commercialization
activities are focused in three therapeutic areas: oncology, cardiovascular
and inflammation.6 percent vs.2 billion in R+D.

homocystinuria anorectal

("Axcan" or the "Company") annual shareholders' meeting held
today in Montreal, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr.(1) VELCADE has been approved in more than 50 countries
worldwide and is currently indicated in the U. Adverse events included gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue,
neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.S. These common GI disorders can affect up to one in four
Americans."
The findings were compiled from four Zelnorm studies presented at
Digestive Disease Week 2005.
Two studies in patients with dyspepsia found Zelnorm was able to increase
meal-induced gastric accommodation and postprandial gastric compliance. Patients underwent a gastric barostat (balloon) study on two separate
occasions, two weeks apart, after five days of pretreatment with placebo or
Zelnorm 6 mg b. At
the end of each treatment period a gastric barostat (balloon) study was
performed. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical
software.021 ). The rate of EGF secretion in basal conditions (perfusion with
initial NaCl) during administration of Zelnorm was 13 percent higher than
after placebo therapy (440 +/-129 vs. The increase in the rate of secretion of remaining
investigated parameters varied between 2.

Forward-looking Statement
This release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the
Company's business , which can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as "may offer," "suggests ," "may improve," "may help,"
"potential," or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or
intentions.

suppurativa hyperinsulinemia

"
Mr. In these patients who were previously pretreated with
chemotherapy and rituximab, response rates were similar in both arms (35 and
41 percent) and the safety profile improved with the weekly schedule., of
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, and sponsored by the
National Cancer Institute, assessed single agent activity in relapsed or
refractory indolent lymphomas, including follicular and marginal zone, and
MCL.
Risks associated with VELCADE therapy include new or worsening peripheral
neuropathy, hypotension, cardiac disorders, gastrointestinal adverse events,
thrombocytopenia and tumor lysis syndrome.i. These findings suggest a
therapeutic potential for Zelnorm in dyspepsia patients with impaired
accommodation and normal emptying.6 years ) and 12 healthy volunteers (eight women, mean age 24. population on a
weekly basis.001).001 and by 28 percent; P<0.047 and by 15 percent; P=0.1 percent and 24.
When compared to baseline, the following symptom parameters were
significantly improved by Zelnorm but not by placebo: occurrence of epigastric
discomfort, regurgitation, dysphagia, early satiety and post-meal bloating
(all P<0.05); and
distress from epigastric discomfort (P<0. The only adverse event reported more
often with Zelnorm 6 mg twice -a-day than placebo was diarrhea (6.
Located in East Hanover, New Jersey, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
is an affiliate of Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) -- a world leader in
pharmaceuticals and consumer health.

Contacts
Maryon Clark
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Tel 862 778 0312
or 201 400 8479
maryon.

histoplasmosis hyperinsulinemia

Axcan markets a broad line of prescription products sold
for the treatment of symptoms in a number of gastrointestinal diseases and
disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome,
cholestatic liver diseases and complications related to cystic fibrosis."
Data from a separate multicenter study, sponsored by the National Cancer
Institute, directed by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and also
presented at the meeting, indicated promising response rates and progression-
free survival in follicular, marginal zone and mantle cell lymphomas with
single agent VELCADE (56, 43 and 40 percent, respectively). (J+JPRD)
continue to investigate VELCADE globally in clinical trials in both
hematologic and solid tumors.

A phase II clinical study of single agent VELCADE in patients with
Waldenstom 's Macroglobulemia, a form of indolent lymphoma, led by Steve Treon,
M.
(3) SEER, SARGA, and Decision Resources (for growth rate) data.
(4) Federico et al.D. The fasting period was examined , as well as the administration of a
10 percent intraduodenal lipid infusion (infusion rate 1 ml/min ), and pain
sensation thresholds were studied along with proximal gastric compliance
(elasticity ) by ramp distension at 2 mmHg increments up to a bag volume of
1000 ml. In
addition, data showed Zelnorm enhanced esophageal release of epidermal growth
factor. Administration of Zelnorm was shown to augment production of potential
esophago-protective factors, which could potentially lead to therapeutic
benefit in patients with GERD. In collected
samples their volume and the content of bicarbonate and non-bicarbonate
buffers, protein, mucin, EGF, TGF alpha, and PGE2 were measured using
commercial assays. Patients rated occurrence (yes, no), frequency,
severity and distress via Likert scales.

The
meeting showcases approximately 5,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on
the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology.6
billion.

hydrocele hyperopia

"That is why we believe that a
substantial increase in our research and development budget for fiscal 2005 is
necessary to take full advantage of the multiple new product launch
opportunities that the future holds for Axcan, including ITAX , which could be
the biggest product in Axcan's history. To the extent any
statements made in this release contain information that is not
historical, these statements are essentially forward looking and are
often identified by words such as "anticipate," "expect," "estimate, "
"intend," "project," "plan" and "believe.

About Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non -Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematological cancer and
the fifth leading cause of cancer death in U.

Editor's Note: This release is available under the Media section on the
Company 's website at http://www.com.6 years) were
studied on two separate occasions, each after a seven day treatment period
with either placebo or Zelnorm 6 mg b. Persistent heartburn is the most frequent symptom
of GERD, which affects approximately 20 percent of the U.06 vs.
Zelnorm was developed by Novartis and is also known in some countries as
Zelmac.

hypothyroid homocystinuria

Its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
symbol "AXP" and on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "AXCA".

, who presented the indolent lymphoma findings at the
meeting. "We are especially excited about the weekly dosing schedule which
combines added convenience and promising response rates with a well tolerated
safety profile., of St. and
Johnson + Johnson Pharmaceutical Research + Development , L., president and medical director, the Oklahoma
Foundation for Digestive Research.i. using a double -blind, randomized,
cross-over design. Symptoms assessed included epigastric
pain, epigastric discomfort , heartburn/acid reflux, regurgitation, chest pain,
dysphagia, early satiety, post-meal bloating, and nausea.05). Overall, safety data
is now available in more than 14,000 patients who have enrolled in clinical
trials assessing Zelnorm's safety and efficacy in various GI conditions. A causal relationship between Zelnorm and these
events has not been established.

histoplasmosis hypochondria

O'Connor."

A phase II clinical study of single agent VELCADE in patients with heavily
pretreated relapsed, refractory lymphoma, including MCL and follicular
lymphoma was led by Andrew Lister, M., European Union and a number of countries within
Latin America and South-East Asia. For a further list and
description of the risks and uncertainties the Company faces, see the reports
it has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.064) and
significantly (by 47 percent; P=0. As many patients experiencing functional heartburn do not
respond to traditional heartburn treatments, research has suggested that this
sensation may be caused by mechanistic function in the esophagus.
Typically, diarrhea was transient, lasting two days, and generally resolved
without rescue medication or interruption of treatment.

hypotension hemorrhagic

, Ph., Ph . (J+JPRD). The Company
disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise. It is characterized by impaired gut function, accompanied by
abdominal pain or discomfort, often associated with a meal .
The first study examined 30 H. Twenty-two of these patients (73 percent) had
normal gastric emptying and eight (27 percent) had delayed gastric emptying
(t1/2 octanoic acid breath test >109 min, which is a measurement of how much
time it takes for half the food to leave the stomach; up to 108 minutes is
normal).
increased meal-induced gastric accommodation.
In the second study, 16 patients with dyspepsia (nine women, mean age
32.53 +/-0.

Zelnorm and Functional Heartburn Study
Functional heartburn is characterized by the sensation of burning
typically associated with heartburn, however, patients do not exhibit evidence
of acid reflux.
In the functional heartburn study, treatment with Zelnorm reduced a range
of dysmotility-related upper GI symptoms, including epigastric discomfort,
regurgitation, dysphagia (pain while swallowing), early satiety (a sense of
fullness while eating), post-meal bloating, heartburn/acid reflux and chest
pain . It is approved in more than 55 countries for IBS with
Constipation.com.

hepatic hyperinsulinemia

The Company has built a strong multi-product gastrointestinal base
focusing on unmet therapeutic needs. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these
forward-looking statements., Millennium
Pharmaceuticals, Inc .newscom. Favorable
interim results from the phase II registration enabling study in MCL were also
recently presented.C.C.
Millennium is responsible for commercialization of VELCADE in the U.; Ortho
Biotech and Janssen-Cilag are responsible for commercialization in Europe and
the rest of the world. pylori negative dyspepsia patients (seven
males, mean age 42 +/- 2 years). Frequency , severity and distress were compared by
randomized block analysis, P<0. Diarrhea rarely led to discontinuation of the study (0. Jointly sponsored by the
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD ), the American
Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the
Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW takes place May 14-19, 2005 in Chicago.

hyperthyroid helicobacter

17 - During the
Axcan Pharma Inc.
"Beyond the year 2007, I strongly believe that Axcan will be able to
launch innovative products at an average rate of one per year for each of the
following five years," said Mr.
(Logo: http://www. The first phase of the
two-stage study was reported by Dr.S. VELCADE is contraindicated in
patients with hypersensitivity to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol. is responsible for
commercialization in Japan.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including
statements about the Company's growth , discovery, development of products and
strategic alliances.

Contacts:
Theresa McNeely (media) Kyle Kuvalanka (investor)
(617) 679-7405 (617) 761-4734

Salivary flow rates during administration of Zelnorm increased
significantly over corresponding values recorded during placebo, both in basal
conditions (by 23 percent; P=0.05, respectively).68 +/-0.
In IBS-C clinical trials, Zelnorm was generally well tolerated. Typically, it
resolved with continued therapy.

About Novartis
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation researches, develops, manufacturers
and markets leading innovative prescription drugs used to treat a number of
diseases and conditions, including central nervous system disorders , organ
transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, dermatological diseases, respiratory
disorders , cancer and arthritis. The company's mission is to improve people's
lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions.

suppurativa adie

D.
The U.L.D.(2) The prevalence of NHL is
approximately 400,000 patients, 77,000 patients with follicular lymphoma and
approximately 10,000 with mantle cell lymphoma., Surveillance Research.d. Treatment periods were separated by seven to 14 days. However, after
the mucosal exposure to HCl/pepsin and subsequent final perfusion with NaCl,
the rate of esophageal EGF secretion in patients receiving Zelnorm was
significantly higher (46 percent) than after placebo ( 408 +/-94 vs. Researchers indicated that these results showed promise for Zelnorm in
the treatment of a number of GI conditions and called for additional studies
of Zelnorm in functional heartburn and functional dyspepsia. Patients
completed a multi-symptom questionnaire, which evaluated nine prominent upper
GI symptoms at baseline prior to all study procedures, and after completion of
each treatment regimen.
In chronic constipation studies, the incidence of adverse events with
Zelnorm was similar to that of placebo . 4 percent) and headache (15 percent vs.

Editor's Note: Full prescribing information available at
http://www.

hypotension hyperparathyroidism

, 41st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical
Oncology , Orlando, FL.
Salivary EGF increased by 38 percent in basal conditions (P=0.2 billion and pro forma net income of USD 5. The Group invested approximately USD 4.com .

hemolytic hepatic

(Nasdaq: MLNM) today announced VELCADE study results for
the treatment of patients with indolent and mantle cell non-Hodgkin's
lymphomas (NHL), and Waldenstom's Macroglobulemia at the 9th International
Conference of Malignant Lymphoma in Lugano, Switzerland.S. O'Connor, M. Bartholomew's Hospital, London. There are approximately 56,400
new cases diagnosed per year, it is attributed to 19,200 deaths and is the
second fastest growing form of cancer in the U.
Zelnorm is currently approved for the treatment of women with Irritable
Bowel Syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and for patients less than 65 years
of age with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation.d.
Collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS statistical software . 281 +/-88
pg/min, P=0. and placebo for 14 consecutive days,
in a crossover design, separated by a seven-to-10-day washout.
3 percent). 12 percent). Approximately 3 million patients worldwide have been treated with
Zelnorm to date.clark@novartis.

hypothyroid paraplegia

Gosselin pointed out that ITAX alone could "more than double" Axcan's
revenues.- Data affirms Company focus in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including mantle cell
and indolent sub-types -

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., of
Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, assessed VELCADE in two
separate study arms. Various important risks may cause the Company's actual
results to differ materially from the results indicated by these forward-
looking statements, including: adverse results in its drug discovery and
clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for its
discoveries; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by
third parties; the Company's dependence upon strategic alliance partners to
develop and commercialize products and services based on its work;
difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products
and services resulting from its development efforts; product withdrawals;
competitive factors; difficulties or delays in manufacturing the Company 's
products; government and third party reimbursement rates; the commercial
success of VELCADE and INTEGRILIN; achieving revenue consistent with internal
forecasts; and the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and
development and to expand commercialization activities.
"These results are promising, suggesting that in addition to its proven
pro-motility benefits, Zelnorm may also improve the body's sensory responses
during digestion, working to normalize functions throughout the GI tract,"
said Philip Miner, M."

Zelnorm and Dyspepsia Study
Dyspepsia is a digestive condition that affects approximately one in four
Americans. After introduction
of the barostat bag, graded pressure distensions (2 mmHg increments/2 min)
were performed to determine gastric compliance (the elasticity of the stomach
walls) and the stomach wall's sensitivity to distension .
Researchers in the GERD study found that Zelnorm significantly enhanced
the secretion of salivary protective factors, especially increasing buffering
capacity of the esophagus, which protects the esophageal lining from acid.
Esophageal perfusate volumes were similar during administration of Zelnorm
or placebo except in basal conditions (6. 390 +/-81 pg/min, NS). Zelnorm mimics the natural effects of serotonin by activating 5HT4
receptors, which normalizes impaired motility in the GI tract , inhibits
visceral sensitivity and stimulates intestinal secretion.
The majority of patients reporting diarrhea had a single episode and in most
cases, diarrhea occurred in the first week of treatment . Specifically, there are no guarantees
that the data described above will result in the commercial success of
Zelnorm.

adie hyperthyroid

The primary endpoint of the study is
overall response rate (complete plus partial response). Saleh.D. Results for 48 evaluable patients
included:
* Of the 24 MCL patients there was one complete response and six partial
responses with an overall response rate of 29 percent;
* Of the 11 follicular lymphoma patients there were two late responses
observed three months post-treatment resulting in an overall response
rate of 18 percent; and
* Adverse events were manageable and included thrombocytopenia, anemia,
fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms and peripheral neuropathy.
Zelnorm was shown to enhance the postprandial gastric compliance of the
stomach in dyspepsia patients and the ability to accommodate in healthy
controls.

Zelnorm and GERD Studies
In gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, sensations occur when the
lower esophagus does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or
reflux, into the esophagus.024
and by 47 percent; P=0.d.

About Zelnorm
Zelnorm is indicated for the treatment of men and women less than 65 years
of age with chronic idiopathic constipation. The only
adverse events reported notably more often with Zelnorm than with placebo were
diarrhea (9 percent vs. In some cases, these complications have required
hospitalization for rehydration.

hydrocele leukoplakia

The reader is cautioned not to rely on these
forward-looking statements. The study results from 65 evaluable patients included:
* A 56 percent overall response rate was observed in follicular lymphoma,
including one complete and one unconfirmed complete response;
* An overall response rate of 43 percent was achieved in marginal zone
lymphoma;
* Median event-free survival for all responding patients with indolent
lymphomas was 12.D. VELCADE also is approved in the European
Union as a second-line treatment.

(1) Goy et al. The results of analysis of protective factors in saliva,
collected in a parallel fashion, are presented in a separate abstract .6 percent, but did
not reach statistical significance.

uremic adie

TSX SYMBOL (Toronto Stock Exchange): AXP
NASDAQ SYMBOL (NASDAQ National Market): AXCA

MONT-SAINT-HILAIRE, Quebec , Feb." Forward-looking statements are
subject to risks and uncertainties.S., markets VELCADE , a novel cancer product, co-
promotes INTEGRILIN(R) (eptifibatide) Injection, a market-leading
cardiovascular product and has a robust clinical development pipeline of
product candidates.millennium. CHICAGO , Researchers today announced
results of new investigational studies with Zelnorm(R) (tegaserod maleate ),
which show it may offer a novel approach to treating upper gastrointestinal
(GI) disorders, such as dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and
functional heartburn.
The first GERD study was conducted in a double-blind, placebo-controlled,
cross-over design with 38 GERD patients (26 female and 12 male) from 23 to 61
years of age, with an average age of 41. 6.05); severity of epigastric discomfort (P<0. The effectiveness of Zelnorm in
patients 65 years or older with chronic idiopathic constipation has not been
established. The safety and effectiveness
of Zelnorm in men with IBS-C have not been established.com

John McInerney
Ruder Finn
Tel 212 593 6348
or 646 710 0192
mcinerneyj@ruderfinn.

histoplasmosis hyperopia

, of Georgia Cancer
Specialists, Atlanta , GA.
The average age of diagnosis is between 55 and 60.
In 331 patients who were treated with VELCADE in a phase III study, the
most commonly reported adverse events were asthenic conditions (61%), diarrhea
(57%), nausea (57%), constipation (42%), peripheral neuropathy (36%), vomiting
(35%), pyrexia (35%), thrombocytopenia (35%), psychiatric disorders (35%),
anorexia and appetite decreased (34%), parasthesia (27%), dysesthesia (27%),
anemia and headache (26%), and cough (21%). The most commonly reported SAEs were pyrexia (6%),
diarrhea (5%), dyspnea and pneumonia (4%), and vomiting (3%). Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., BLOOD 95(3): 783-789; 2000. "Ongoing studies will further investigate Zelnorm's ability to
safely and effectively treat the symptoms of dyspepsia and GERD.
In dyspepsia patients with normal gastric emptying (which represent the
majority of dyspepsia patients in clinical practice), Zelnorm 6 mg b.S.05 ml/min;
P=0.zelnorm.

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Leon F.
Apart from the Company's present portfolio and pipeline of products,
shareholders also learned that Axcan is well positioned to pursue strategic,
accretive acquisitions with $70 million in annual cash flow, $40 million in
cash and cash equivalents and a $125-million unused credit facility.
Axcan's products are marketed by its own sales force in North America and
Europe.

VELCADE(R) (bortezomib) for Injection Showed Positive Activity Across a Variety of Lymphomas

Food and Drug Administration granted VELCADE fast track
designation for relapsed and refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Results from 34 evaluable patients
(17 in each arm) included:
* Overall response rates of 41 percent (7 out of 17) in the weekly arm and
35 percent (6 out of 17) in the twice-weekly arm;
* Complete or unconfirmed complete responses were observed in three
patients, two in the twice-weekly arm and one in the weekly arm;
* Additional responses may still be reported in ongoing patients in both
treatment arms;
* Approximately twice as many patients completed the 15-week duration of
therapy on the weekly arm compared to the twice-weekly arm and patients
in each arm received a similar median cumulative dose; and
* Both combination regimens were well tolerated and toxicities were
manageable.D. Owen A.(3,4) According to the American
Cancer Society, the incidence of NHL has more than doubled since the 1970's. VELCADE
should be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in the
use of antineoplastic therapy.016) during mastication, whereas PGE2 and
TGF alpha increased significantly in basal conditions (by 35 percent; P=0.
A second double -blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design study was
conducted with 32 GERD patients (21 female and 11 male), from 23 to 61 years
of age, with an average age of 41.
The functional heartburn study consisted of 42 patients (15 Males and 27
Females, from 20 to 68 years of age) with functional heartburn. Patients were
randomly assigned to Zelnorm 6 mg b.05. Zelnorm is also indicated for the short-term treatment of women
with IBS whose primary symptom is constipation.
Serious consequences of diarrhea, including hypovolemia, hypotension and
syncope, have been reported in the clinical studies (0. Any such success can be affected by, among other things,
uncertainties relating to product development , future clinical trial results
related to dyspepsia, GERD and other medical conditions, adverse regulatory
actions or delays, government regulation generally, the ability to obtain or
maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection,
competition in general and other risks and factors referred to in the
Company's current Form 20-F on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission of the United States. In 2004, the Novartis Group's businesses
achieved sales of USD 28.

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