More Can Be Done to Improve Outcomes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Survey

Results from a recent Harris Interactive® survey of more than 500 European rheumatologists shed new light on current
trends and practices in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, including optimal use of biologic therapies. In particular,
rheumatologists acknowledged that more can to be done to improve patient outcomes, including switching biologic therapies in
patients who demonstrate a less-than-optimal response to initial treatment. The results were unveiled during the 2005
European League against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR). The physician survey and the patient
survey were sponsored by Schering-Plough Corporation.


The majority of rheumatologists surveyed (88 percent) believe that RA patients may improve when switched from one anti-TNF
product to another. However, only 47 percent of rheumatologists actually switch to another biologic when patients experience
a partial response (lack of control of inflammation and symptoms) and only 65 percent switch when patients do not respond.
Among rheumatologists surveyed, 75 percent identified methotrexate as their first-line therapy of choice but indicated that
it was an inadequate treatment in terms of achieving remission, fast onset of action for symptom control and retarding joint
erosion. Those surveyed also identified these treatment goals as the reason for initiating biologic therapy.


"With an abundance of recent data supporting the use and benefits of biologics in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,
it's particularly timely that we now try to better understand how rheumatologists are responding to these findings in
true-to-life clinical settings," said Iain B. McInnes, FRCP, PhD - Professor of Experimental Medicine, University of Glasgow,
Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist, Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom, and
advisor to the development of the survey. "One interesting finding of the survey revealed that the majority of
rheumatologists sampled believe that treatment outcomes may be improved by trying different biologic agents when patients
don't respond positively to initial treatment."



Other Key Findings:


-- Key treatment goals when initiating biologic therapy include: retarding the progression of joint erosion (46 percent);
improving the rate of remission (44 percent); reducing pain and discomfort/pain relief (41 percent); reducing joint
inflammation/swelling (38 percent); improving the patient's quality of life through improved physical mobility (34 percent);
overall efficacy (32 percent); fast onset of action for symptom control (29 percent); improving synovitis (25 percent); and
providing flexibility of dose (19 percent)


-- 19 percent of rheumatologists see patients with stable disease less often than they would prefer; 30 percent prefer to see
patients with stable disease at least every 3 months and 22 percent actually see them that often















-- 35 percent of rheumatologists see patients with active disease less often than they would prefer; 44 percent prefer to see
patients with active disease at least once a month, but just 25 percent actually see them that often.


Patient Survey Results


A separate survey of RA patients in Austria conducted by the Oesterreichische Rheumaliga (OeRL), a national patient advocacy
organization, revealed, that despite significant treatment advances, patients continue to experience a reduced quality of
life. While 89 percent of the patients reported they were "very or somewhat satisfied" with the results obtained from their
current medication, a majority also reported RA continues to affect their ability to enjoy leisure life (85 percent) and
ability to perform on the job (67 percent). Further, 67 percent reported they were willing to switch to other treatments if
there was the possibility to achieve better results.


"Patients with RA should not settle for a life with pain and decreased ability to enjoy daily activities," said Daniela
Loisl, President Oesterreichische Rheumaliga (OeRL). "Advances in treatment, particularly with biologics, should raise our
expectations for what we should consider to be successful management of RA, and I encourage patients to discuss ways to
better manage their disease with their physician."


Other Key Findings


-- Almost 50 percent of RA patients have been diagnosed with the disease 10 years or longer


-- 74 percent of patients have experienced their symptoms for up to two years before diagnosis


-- 70 percent of RA patients on biologics rate their pain as much less painful now compared to when the disease was first
diagnosed


-- Of the patients who are being treated with biologics, 100 percent are satisfied with their treatment (77 percent very
satisfied; 23 percent somewhat satisfied)


-- Of the patients who are not being treated with biologics, 85 percent are satisfied with their treatment (39 percent very
satisfied; 46 percent somewhat satisfied)


About the Rheumatologists Survey


Harris Interactive® interviewed a total of 522 rheumatologists in five countries (U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain)
beginning on April 18 and ending on May 9, 2005. To be included in the final survey, each rheumatologist must review 10 or
more rheumatoid arthritis patients in an average month and must have been practicing medicine for a year or more since
completion of full time medical training.


About Harris Corporation


Harris Corporation is an international communications technology company focused on providing assured communications™
products, systems and services for government and commercial customers. The company's four operating divisions serve markets
for government communications, tactical radio, broadcast, and microwave systems. Harris provides systems and service to
customers in more than 150 countries. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at harris.


About the OeRL Patient Survey


Survey questionnaires were distributed to 500 members of the OeRL. Two hundred and twelve members took part in the survey;
from these respondents, 182 patients had received a diagnosis of RA, thus meeting criteria for inclusion in the survey.



About RA


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, debilitating inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of
function in the joints. Symptoms of RA include inflammation of the joints, swelling, difficulty moving, and pain. The most
commonly affected joints are the hands and feet. The joint pain of RA can impact a patient's ability to perform normal daily
activities, limit job opportunities, and make family and household responsibilities a challenge. RA afflicts more than 9.7
million people worldwide; according to the World Health Organization, the incidence of RA in Europe is expected to increase
over the next decade as the population ages.


About Schering-Plough


Schering-Plough is a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer and animal health products.
Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures and markets
advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough's vision is to earn the trust of the physicians,
patients and customers served by its more than 30,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and
its Web site is schering-plough.