January 5, 2005

Duluth, Ga., — Merial, a world-leading animal health company, announces the introduction of a new, non-adjuvanted feline leukemia vaccine to its PUREVAX® line of vaccines. PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia vaccine is the first non-adjuvanted, USDA-approved, feline leukemia vaccine that offers the enhanced immune response of the VET JET™ transdermal vaccination system and advanced recombinant vaccine technology.1

"The non-adjuvanted composition of PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia vaccine reduces the risks associated with adjuvants, such as chronic inflammation and vaccine reactions," says Zack Mills, DVM, executive director of Merial CAGE Veterinary Services, North America. "Although transdermal technology is used in human medicine, Merial is the first to introduce the transdermal vaccination system to companion animal veterinarians."

This new feline leukemia vaccine uses the VET JET transdermal vaccination system to target presentation of vaccine in the dermis, subcutaneous layer and muscle tissues, allowing rapid and comprehensive immunity.

"The VET JET transdermal vaccination system creates a dispersion pattern that deposits vaccine directly into the immune cell rich layers of tissue without using a needle," says Mills. "The broad dispersion enhances the immune response through activation of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity in tissues traditionally bypassed with needle injections. This rapid, targeted presentation of the protective antigen elicits a safe and protective immune response with a low dose of vaccine."

As an added benefit, PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia vaccine employs canarypox-vectored vaccine technology. This allows the vaccine to mimic natural infection, while taking advantage of the cat's entire immune system and prompting a broad humoral and cell-mediated response.

Merial is a leader in recombinant, canarypox vector technology, including the provision of recombinant vaccines for feline, canine, equine and exotic animals.

Transdermal technology has been successfully used for years in human medicine for the administration of insulin and most recently for human influenza vaccine. For more information on PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia vaccine or the VET JET transdermal vaccination system, please see www.MERIAL.com or call 1-888-MERIAL1.

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1Data on file at Merial.

®PUREVAX is a registered trademark and VETJET is a trademark of Merial Limited.
©2004 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.