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RPhLink.com The Pharmaceutical care Network!  Vioxx Voluntary Withdrawal October 4, 2004 Pharmacy Provider: On September 30, 2004, Merck & Co., Inc. voluntarily withdrew its arthritis and acute pain medication, Vioxx (rofecoxib) from the market. Merck has indicated that this action, effective immediately, was based on the results of the APPROVe (adenomatous Polyp Prevention on Vioxx) trial and that this trial was halted early because it showed an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, among patients taking Vioxx compared to those taking placebo. Effective October 1, 2004, Vioxx claims submitted to Wellpoint Pharmacy Management will reject online at point of sale. Please contact the physician to discuss appropriate alternative therapies. Should the member require additional information, Merck has established an information line for those who have additional questions or want to obtain a refund on their current prescription for Vioxx. This information is available online at www.vioxx.com or by calling 1-888-368-4699 Thank you for your prompt attention to this information. Additional information regarding the FDA Public Health Advisory on the withdrawal of Vioxx, as well as questions and answers for patients is available on the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/vioxx/default.htm. Sincerely, Wellpoint Pharmacy Management     10/01/2004 Acarda's Acquisition of Zanaflex From Elan From Acorda Acorda Therapeutics is pleased to announce the acquisition of Zanaflex (tizanidine HCL) Tablets from Elan Pharmaceuticals. Both Zanaflex strengths are included in this acquisition as follows: Elan NDC#               Strength & Package Size 59075-0592-15          2mg., 150's. 59075-0594-15          4 mg., 150's Zanaflex will continue to be available exclusively through the traditional wholesaler distribution system and wholesalers are shipping the product under the Acorda name. For the near future, Acorda will be distributing existing Elan labeled inventories and wholesalers have been advised to set their inventory systems to link Zanaflex to Acorda to accommodate pharmacy orders. The product package size, NDC number and trade dress will also remain unchanged for the present. First Data Bank and other pricing publications have been notified of Acorda's acquisition of this product. Please continue to process Zanaflex return goods under the existing Elan policies. To help expedite this transition, please process all Zanaflex return goods in-house ASAP through the following designated third-party return service provider. One Box Return Universal Solutions of New Jersey Munsonhurst Road Complex Franklin, NJ 07416 Phone: 1-800-321-7388   The company plans to  add a new patented dosage form to the Zanaflex line early next year. This addition, coupled with a new physician promotional  effort, is expected to significantly increase sales in this $280 million market. Acorda Therapeutics, a privately-held biotechnology company, develops therapies for spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and related conditions of the nervous system. Acorda also has several high potential therapies in development for the treatment of nervous system disorders. Should you have any questions about the product information or availability, please call the Acorda Customer Service Department at 1-866-351-0074. Medically related questions can be answered by the Medical Affairs department through one of the following methods. Toll Free Number: 1-800-367-5109 Fax: 510-595-8183 Direct Dial: 510-740-2420 e-mail: Acorda@medcomsol.com Thank you for your support, Sincerely, John Librie Executive Director, Marketing and Commercialization Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.