NASONEX(R) Now Approved in Japan for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis in Adult Patients

    KENILWORTH, N.J., July 17 /EMWNews/ -- Schering-Plough

Corporation (NYSE: SGP) today announced that Schering-Plough K.K., the

company's country operation in Japan, has received marketing approval for

NASONEX(R) (mometasone furoate monohydrate) Nasal Spray 50mcg* for the

treatment of allergic rhinitis in adult patients.(1) NASONEX is an

intranasal steroid that significantly improves nasal allergy symptoms when

taken once each day. NASONEX is the first intranasal steroid to be approved

in Japan for once-daily administration. NASONEX is currently approved in

over 100 countries worldwide and is anticipated to be available in Japan

this fall.



    "Allergies are a growing health problem in Japan," said Robert J.

Spiegel, M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice president,

Schering-Plough Research Institute. "NASONEX provides physicians with an

important treatment option for the relief of nasal allergy symptoms,

especially for those patients looking for the convenience of a once-daily

treatment."



    Allergic rhinitis, which encompasses the outdoor symptoms of seasonal

allergic rhinitis (SAR) and the indoor symptoms of perennial allergic

rhinitis (PAR), affects an estimated 18 to 23 million people in Japan.

Nasal allergy symptoms classically include sneezing, nasal itching, nasal

discharge and congestion. Japan is the world's second largest market for

prescription and over-the-counter medications for the treatment of

allergies.

    About NASONEX



    In the United States, NASONEX is indicated to treat nasal symptoms of

seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in patients 2 years of age and

older, as well as nasal polyps in adults 18 years of age and older.(2)

NASONEX is also proven to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms

in adults and children 12 years of age and older when NASONEX is started 2

to 4 weeks prior to allergy season.(2) NASONEX is nonsedating and not

addictive when used as directed.(1) Side effects were generally mild and

included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nosebleeds and

coughing.(2) Full Prescribing Information is available at

http://www.spfiles.com/pinasonex.pdf .



    About Schering-Plough Corporation



    Schering-Plough is an innovation-driven, science-centered global health

care company. Through its own biopharmaceutical research and collaborations

with partners, Schering-Plough creates therapies that help save and improve

lives around the world. The company applies its research-and-development

platform to human prescription and consumer products as well as to animal

health products. Schering-Plough's vision is to "Earn Trust, Every Day"

with the doctors, patients, customers and other stakeholders served by its

colleagues around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and

its Web site is http://www.schering-plough.com.



    SCHERING-PLOUGH DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information in this press

release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of

the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements

relating to potential market for NASONEX. Forward-looking statements relate

to expectations or forecasts of future events. Schering-Plough does not

assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Many factors

could cause actual results to differ materially from Schering-Plough's

forward-looking statements, including market forces, economic factors,

product availability, patent and other intellectual property protection,

current and future branded, generic or over-the-counter competition, the

regulatory process, and any developments following regulatory approval,

among other uncertainties. For further details about these and other

factors that may impact the forward-looking statements, see

Schering-Plough's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including

Part I, Item IA. "Risk Factors" in Schering-Plough's 2008 Q1 10-Q.






    * calculated on the anhydrous basis



    References:

     1. NASONEX(R) Package Insert. Schering-Plough K.K.

     2. NASONEX(R) (summary of product characteristics). Schering Corporation.