EMD Serono, Inc. Recipient of R&D 100 Award for easypod(R)

easypod, a first-of-its-kind prescription device for the administration of Saizen® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] growth hormone therapy, was announced as the winner of an R&D 100 Award for its breakthrough technology. Hailed as “The Oscars of Invention” by The Chicago Tribune, the R&D 100 Awards have honored the 100 most technologically significant innovations each year, since 1963. Along with other recipients, easypod was recognized in a special September issue of R&D Magazine and will be recognized at a banquet on October 16, in Chicago. easypod was nominated for its innovative technology that answers the need for a device that provides simple everyday use.

One key feature offered by easypod is preset dosing, which means patients no longer have to set their dose each day. Another unique feature is the dose confirmation screen that notifies patients when they have properly administered their treatment. easypod also logs the date and dose of each injection, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor patient adherence. Additionally, easypod is designed to reduce waste and has a hidden needle that stays out of sight before, during and after injection.

easypod is an award-winning delivery system marketed in the U.S. by EMD Serono, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, for the administration of Saizen, EMD Serono’s treatment for growth hormone deficiency.

easypod was designed as part of a global collaboration and is currently available in 31 countries and received U.S. FDA approval on October 31, 2007. easypod received an iF product design award (International Forum Design) in November 2007; “Diario Médico” awarded easypod as the “Best Idea” in the section of Research and Pharmacology; the Medical Design Excellence Awards® recognized easypod as a 2007 Gold Medal recipient; easypod was recognized as a Gold Medal Laureate by the Computerworld Honors Program in 2008; and EMD Serono was named a Finalist for a 2008 Stevie® Award for easypod in the Most Innovative Company category.

For additional information, please contact: Michele Baer, President, Baer Consulting, Inc. 973-233-0044 or michele@baerconsulting.com -Colleen Minden, Director of Communications, Endocrinology, EMD Serono, Inc. 781-681-2192 or colleen.minden@emdserono.com