SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of March, 2004
Serono S.A.
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(Registrant's Name)
15 bis, Chemin des Mines
Case Postale 54
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
1-15096
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(Commission File No.)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
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(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101 (b)(1).)
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(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101 (b)(7).)
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(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to
the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.)
Yes No X
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(If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- )
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SERONO
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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REBIF(R) NOW AVAILABLE WITH THE THINNEST NEEDLE
IN A READY-TO-USE PRE-FILLED SYRINGE
FOR THE TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, MARCH 30, 2004 - Serono (virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA),
announced today the launch of its new 29 gauge-needle pre-filled syringe of
Rebif(R), the thinnest needle in a ready to use pre-filled syringe for the
treatment of multiple sclerosis.
"The new Rebif(R) pre-filled syringe illustrates once again Serono's commitment
to improving patients' quality of life," said Franck Latrille, Serono's Senior
Executive Vice President Global Product Development. "Having Rebif(R) in a ready
to use pre-filled syringe with such a thin needle will make its subcutaneous
administration easier for patients. In addition to improving patients' quality
of life, easy administration is a key factor in ensuring a good compliance to
treatment."
A study conducted in Denmark showed that 86% of Rebif(R) -treated patients found
that injections were easier and less painful using the new needle. The
pre-filled syringe of Rebif(R) with the new needle is available in the same
dosages as the previous version and will continue to carry the same indication.
It is currently being launched in Europe and will be available worldwide by the
end of 2004.
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ABOUT REBIF(R)
Rebif(R) (interferon beta-1a) is a disease-modifying drug used to treat
relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and is similar to the interferon beta
protein produced by the human body. Interferon helps modulate the body's immune
system, fight disease and reduce inflammation.
Rebif(R), which was approved in Europe in 1998 and in the US in 2002, is
registered in more than 80 countries worldwide. In the United States, Rebif(R)
is co-promoted by Serono and Pfizer Inc.
ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the nervous system
and is the most common, non-traumatic, neurological disease in young adults.
Multiple sclerosis may affect approximately two million people worldwide. While
symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include
blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with strength and
coordination. The relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis are the most common.
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Some of the statements in this press release are forward looking. Such
statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of
Serono and affiliates to be materially different from those expected or
anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are
based on Serono's current expectations and assumptions, which may be affected by
a number of factors, including those discussed in this press release and more
fully described in Serono's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2004. These factors include any
failure or delay in Serono's ability to develop new products, any failure to
receive anticipated regulatory approvals, any problems in commercializing
current products as a result of competition or other factors, our ability to
obtain reimbursement coverage for our products, and government regulations
limiting our ability to sell our products. Serono has no responsibility to
update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect
events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
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ABOUT SERONO
Serono is a global biotechnology leader. The Company has seven recombinant
products, Rebif(R), Gonal-F(R), Luveris(R), Ovidrel(R)/Ovitrelle(R),
Serostim(R), Saizen(R) and Zorbtive(TM) (Luveris(R) is not approved in the USA).
In addition to being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong
market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth. The Company's research
programs are focused on growing these businesses and on establishing new
therapeutic areas. Currently, there are approximately 30 ongoing development
projects.
In 2003, Serono achieved worldwide revenues of US$2,018.6 million, and a net
income of US$390.0 million, making it the third largest biotech company in the
world. Its products are sold in over 90 countries. Bearer shares of Serono S.A.,
the holding company, are traded on the virt-x (SEO) and its American Depositary
Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (SRA).
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
SERONO IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND:
MEDIA RELATIONS: INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Tel: +41-22-739 36 00 Tel: +41-22-739 36 01
Fax: +41-22-739 30 85 Fax: +41-22-739 30 22
http://www.serono.com Reuters: SEOZ.VX / SRA.N
--------------------- Bloomberg: SEO VX / SRA US
SERONO, INC., ROCKLAND, MA:
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Tel. +1 781 681 2552
Fax: +1 781 681 2912
www.seronousa.com
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SERONO S.A.
a Swiss corporation
(Registrant)
March 30, 2004 By: /s/ Allan Shaw
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Name: Allan Shaw
Title: Chief Financial Officer