Our Neuroscience franchise focuses on improving the quality of life for those affected by serious central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The key global brand in this franchise is the Effexor family, which reached nearly $1.2 billion in worldwide sales in 2000.

The therapeutic profile of Effexor XR, a novel antidepressant, continued to expand during 2000 with the U.S. approval of an indication for the long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is characterized by persistent, excessive anxiety about routine life events. Effexor XR is the only product approved for depression and both short- and long-term treatment of GAD. Effexor XR now has been approved in 49 countries for GAD.

AHP also submitted supplemental New Drug Applications (sNDA) for Effexor and Effexor XR for the prevention of relapse and the recurrence of depression, and we expect to file an sNDA for a social anxiety disorder indication in 2001.

Sonata, our novel insomnia treatment approved in the United States in 1999, also received regulatory approval in 26 additional countries during 2000. In February 2001, regulatory approval was granted for a 35-night efficacy supplement, which is expected to further expand the Sonata franchise.

Our R&D efforts in Neuroscience are directed at several other major CNS disorders. Retigabine, a novel anticonvulsant for epilepsy licensed from Asta Medica, is in Phase II clinical trials. In addition, Phase I trials are under way for a potential first-line treatment for schizophrenia.

AHP formed an alliance in 2000 with Elan Corporation to collaborate on the development of an innovative immunotherapy for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease - a progressive, degenerative disorder of the brain that affects an estimated 4 million people in the United States. In preclinical research, this experimental treatment has been shown to reduce and prevent the development of amyloid plaque, a substance believed to be associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Phase I clinical safety studies have been completed in the United States.