Novartis Launches New Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever Liquid for Children as Safe Over-the-Counter Treatment Option

PARSIPPANY, N.Y., July 27 /PRNewswire/ — Novartis announces the introduction of Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever, the only branded over-the-counter children’s liquid acetaminophen product currently available nationwide in the US. Triaminic® now offers parents a product that combines the pain relieving and fever-reducing power of acetaminophen with the brand that has been trusted by pediatricians and parents for more than 50 years.

“Given the lack of availability of some over-the-counter children’s analgesic products, parents and caregivers have been confused and concerned about what to give their children to temporarily reduce a fever or relieve headaches and minor sore throat pain,” said Jennifer Trachtenberg, MD, practicing pediatrician and chief pediatric officer of www.RealAge.com. “It is important that parents know there are safe and effective treatment options now available from brands they know and trust. If parents have any questions about which over-the-counter options are most appropriate for their kids, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist.”

To help parents restock their medicine cabinets with a reliable option, Novartis is giving away up to 250,000 bottles of Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever in the US, valued at USD 1.5 million. Between August 2 – 8, 2010, parents can purchase a bottle of Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever and submit the original receipt and proof of purchase, along with a rebate form that can be obtained by registering at www.triaminicgiveaway.com(1) to receive a refund for the purchase price of the product(2). For full details, go to www.triaminicgiveaway.com.

“Triaminic® is the leading children’s cough and cold brand(3) and children’s health has been the brand’s sole focus for more than 50 years. We feel it is important to now offer parents a dependable fever reducer and pain reliever product for their children,” said Charlie Hough, OTC North America Region Head, Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. “By giving away up to 250,000 bottles of Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever, we will make it even easier for parents to have access to the only children’s liquid acetaminophen product now available nationally from a trusted brand name.”

Focus on Kids’ Health and Appropriate Use of Children’s Medicines

Children’s health and wellness is the number one priority of the Triaminic® brand. In addition to the free product offer, www.triaminic.com also provides helpful tips and information for parents from Dr. Trachtenberg about keeping children healthy and ensuring the safe and appropriate use of children’s medicines.

* Know the active ingredients: It’s important to carefully read the labels on all children’s medications and understand the active ingredients, especially if you are giving them multiple medications. Knowing what’s in your child’s medicine will help you determine if it’s the right course of treatment to best ensure your child is on the road to recovery.
* Consider a little TLC: In addition to an over-the-counter fever reducer and pain reliever, Dr. Trachtenberg always recommends her version of TLC: Time, Love and a Couch. Take time to sit with your sick child in a comfortable, quiet place, like the living room couch, put a cool compress on her head and gently rub her temples until the fever and pain subside. If your child’s symptoms continue, call your pediatrician.

Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever and all Triaminic® products meet rigorous Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Novartis adheres to these guidelines at its manufacturing sites to ensure that Triaminic® products are safe, effective and meet these strict quality and purity standards.

Triaminic™ Fever Reducer Pain Reliever temporarily reduces fever and relieves minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, headache, minor sore throat, and toothache. The product is intended for children ages 2 -11 and is available in grape and bubble gum flavors. Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever is available at drug stores, grocery stores and retail stores nationwide. For more information, go to www.triaminic.com.

About Triaminic®

Triaminic products are safe and effective when used as directed, and have been relieving children’s cough and cold symptoms for more than 50 years. Trusted by parents and caregivers, the Triaminic brand has a full line of children’s cough, cold, allergy and analgesic products that meets a variety of children’s – and parents – needs. For more information, please visit www.triaminic.com.

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as “will,” or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential future revenues from Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of management regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever will achieve any particular levels of revenue in the future. In particular, management’s expectations regarding Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever could be affected by, among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or government regulation generally; competition in general; industry and general public pricing pressures; the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the values attributed to the Novartis Group’s assets and liabilities as recorded in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2009, the Group’s continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 44.3 billion, while approximately USD 7.5 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 102,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

References

(1) While supplies last. 250,000 rebate forms will be available at www.triaminicgiveaway.com

(2) Up to $6.99

(3) Based on IRI FDMx latest 4 weeks ending June 6, 2010

Novartis Media Relations

Central media line : +41 61 324 2200

Eric Althoff

Novartis Global Media Relations

+41 61 324 7999 (direct)

+41 79 593 4202 (mobile)

eric.althoff@novartis.com

Julie Masow

Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.

+1 973 503 7663 (direct)

+1 862 579 8456 (mobile)

julie.masow@novartis.com

e-mail: media.relations@novartis.com

Novartis Investor Relations

Central phone:

+41 61 324 7944

Susanne Schaffert

+41 61 324 3769

North America:

Pierre-Michel Bringer

+41 61 324 1065

Richard Jarvis

+1 212 830 2433

Thomas Hungerbuehler

+41 61 324 8425

Jill Pozarek

+1 212 830 2445

Isabella Zinck

+41 61 324 7188

Edwin Valeriano

+1 212 830 2456

e-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

e-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

OpenSpirit Brings Geoscience Interoperability to Upstream Reference Architecture Initiative

STAFFORD, Texas–(Business Wire)–
OpenSpirit announces its participation in a widespread industry initiative to
bring enhanced integration and interoperability to geoscientists working in the
oil and gas upstream sector. OpenSpirit has a decade-long track record of
providing open integration and interoperability solutions to the energy
industry, enabling collaborative workflows and multi-vendor data accessibility
for the diverse and complex environments used in today’s exploration and
production (E&P) workflows.

OpenSpirit joins Microsoft Corp. and other solution providers as part of the
newly announced Microsoft Upstream Reference Architecture Initiative. Microsoft
launched this initiative in an ongoing effort to enable collaborative workflows
and multi-vendor data accessibility across the full E&P business. The project
leverages technologies from several partners to bring together data, systems,
and workflows from geoscience, production, operations, finance, and other
critical business areas.

“Management of the oilfield lifecycle demands complete integration from
subsurface interpretation to production,” says Ali Ferling, Managing Director of
Worldwide Oil and Gas Industries at Microsoft. “A flexible and open IT
foundation is critical in delivering a common, integrated approach to digital
oilfield operations. With its sole focus on providing integration and
interoperability across multiple platforms, systems and complex geology and
geophysical data types, OpenSpirit will play a unique role in the realization of
the Microsoft Upstream Reference Architecture Initiative, bringing the
subsurface together with operations and production systems.”

“OpenSpirit is pleased to provide a key piece of the technology supporting the
vision of the Microsoft Upstream Reference Architecture Initiative,” says Dan
Piette, President & CEO of OpenSpirit. “The diversity of platforms and
technology used in the complex world of upstream exploration and production
requires cross-discipline interoperability, collaboration, and data management.
With our decade-long business model of providing open interoperability and
workflow solutions in this area, it is a natural fit to team with Microsoft and
its industry partners as part of the Upstream Reference Architecture Initiative
in the realization of the digital oilfield vision.”

The efforts of this initiative will provide organizations a real roadmap for
designing and implementing a true smart field encompassing all aspects
integrated operations out to a single presentation layer.

About OpenSpirit

The OpenSpirit Corporation, based near Houston in Stafford, Texas, began
operations in July 2000 as an independent software company focused on providing
integration solutions for upstream applications and data. The OpenSpirit
application integration framework is installed worldwide in more than 450 sites
and 300 companies. With a growing partner network of more than 55 partners with
more than 40 OpenSpirit-enabled applications, OpenSpirit allows interoperability
between multiple vendors’ applications and data, enabling oil company end users
in 65 countries to speed up critical workflows and enhance analysis in the
geotechnical space. www.openspirit.com or info@openspirit.com.

OpenSpirit Corporation
Director of Marketing
Kathy Ashmore, +1 281 295 1420
kathy.ashmore@openspirit.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Bullion Exchange International’s Limited Edition Silver Coins and Bars First to Receive Fine Art Appraisal

National Institute of Appraisers Valuates Bullion Exchange International`s
Silver Collection, Offering Customers Unwavering Value in Fluctuating Market
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.–(Business Wire)–
Bullion Exchange International announced today its limited edition silver coin
and bars are the first in the industry to receive a formal appraisal by the
National Institute of Appraisers (NIA) as fine art. The NIA is a highly credible
association with no appraisals ever being overturned or rejected by an insurance
carrier or IRS.

As the market continues to oscillate, precious metals have proven to be a viable
investment option. With the added value of Bullion Exchange International`s fine
art appraisal, customers receive an additional level of worth never seen before
in the bullion market.

“Bullion Exchange International`s sole focus is to bring impeccable art and
unprecedented value to our clients,” said Rob Goodman, CEO of Bullion Exchange
International. “By offering a formal appraisal, we`re ensuring the long term
value of our customers` investments regardless of wavering market conditions.”

Available in a wide range of denominations and minted from .999 pure silver,
Bullion Exchange International`s series are limited to 3,000 or less, offering
extraordinary collectors value. Half ounce and one ounce coins and bars are also
offered through Bullion Exchange International`s Silver Collector`s Club, an
automated program for accumulating silver and building a luxurious collection on
a monthly basis. For more information and to view Bullion Exchange
International`s full collection ranging from .5oz coins to 1000oz bars, please
visit www.bei100.com.

About Bullion Exchange International

Bullion Exchange International transforms silver and gold into extraordinary
works of art, adding unwavering value to bullion investment. Using coins and
bars as our canvas, we work relentlessly with world renowned artists to create
rare pieces whose fine artistry and quality deliver unprecedented beauty and
worth. Edition sizes are extremely limited and each piece has been formally
appraised by the National Institute of Appraisers (NIA) as fine art, providing
our clientele with a unique and lasting investment opportunity. Bullion Exchange
International also works with clients to design custom pieces and offers a line
of bullion products for investors looking to augment their fine art collection
with standard silver and gold pieces.

To view our full collection, please visit www.bei100.com

Bullion Exchange International
Media Contact:
Joscelyn Zell
503-783-2222
joscelyn@bei100.com
or
Investor Contact:
Darby Hershey
darby@bei100.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Reds wary of Rebels raid

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says he is confident of retaining the core of the current Reds squad ahead of the Melbourne Rebels’ entry into the expanded Super 15 next season.

The ban on the Rebels recruiting Australian players signed to the existing four franchises was lifted on Monday and several Reds have already been identified as being in their sights.

Tighthead prop Laurie Weeks, lock Adam Byrnes and half-back Richard Kingi are believed to be set to sign with the Rebels, while Wallabies utility back Peter Hynes is a high-profile target, although he is expected to delay any contract discussions until later in the season.

At the beginning of this week the Reds had 23 players coming off contract by season’s end, but they have since re-signed twins Anthony and Saia Faingaa and announced on Thursday they have 22 players locked in for 2011.

McKenzie says he is more than aware the Rebels loom large on the horizon as he attempts to fill his roster for next season.

But he is satisfied with the progress he and Reds general manager Daniel Herbert have made in negotiations with their existing squad.

“We’ve got 22 signed for next year and obviously we’ve got others we’re working on,” he said.

“There is still opportunities for some players. We don’t want to fill the roster too early, we’re still looking at some of the guys in the squad, but we have 22 already on the books.”

While Weeks is not the sole focus of the Reds recruitment plans, he is regarded as a priority signing in light of his solid form so far this season.

It will be hard for the Reds to retain Weeks’ services though, as he enjoys a close friendship with Rebels assistant coach Damien Hill, who previously coached the 23-year-old at Sydney University.

McKenzie is not ready to give up on re-signing Weeks, but he is conscious the matter is now pretty much out of the Reds’ hands.

“I’ve spent a lot of time speaking to Laurie, in the end he’s going to make his decision about his future,” he said.

“I don’t think there is much more I can say. There’s not much more we can do as as a unit.

“It will be what it will be.”

Once bitten, twice shy

The Western Force pillaged the Reds ahead of their inaugural Super rugby season in 2006 and in doing so they became public enemy number one amongst fans of the Brisbane-based franchise.

However, it must be highlighted that the Reds administration at the time were guilty of adopting an antiquated mind-set that Queensland-bred players would always want to remain in Brisbane, regardless of what financial incentives or playing opportunities were available elsewhere.

McKenzie has ensured the Reds have been much more proactive in their recruitment activities and this has been aided by his experience as New South Wales coach when the Force entered the Super 14.

He has learned too that it is crucial not to simply re-sign players to make up the numbers, but rather retain those commitment to the Reds’ cause.

“They’re players we want, so it’s not just some half-arsed thing to grab anything,” he said.

“We’ve actually been quite targeted and we’ve had players putting their hands up since the start of January to be honest.

“It hasn’t been 22 guys signed since last week because we’ve won a couple of games, these guys have been putting their hands up for some time.”

Meanwhile, McKenzie has announced a 26-man squad for the Reds’ three-match trek to South Africa, which begins with the clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on March 27 (AEST).

Winger Rod Davies, who has been sidelined since suffering a fractured cheekbone against the Blues in round three last month, has been included in the tour party, while former Wallabies centre Morgan Turinui has been overlooked for selection.

Reds squad:

Forwards: Daniel Braid (vice-captain), Adam Byrnes, Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, Sean Hardman, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, Leroy Houston, Van Humphries, Jack Kennedy, Jake Schatz, Robert Simmons, Ezra Taylor, Laurie Weeks

Backs: Will Chambers, Quade Cooper, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Will Genia (captain), Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Ben Tapuai, Brando Va’aulu, Tim Walsh

Hughes ready for Harmison’s bouncer barrage

London, July 15 (ANI): Australian opener Phillip Hughes has said that he is eyeing off another showdown with giant England quick Steve Harmison, who has been drafted into the host squad for the second Test, beginning at Lord’s tomorrow.

Harmison twice bounced out Hughes in a tour match at Worcester and England insists the 20-year-old opener has a clear weakness against extreme bounce.

“Whatever is in front of me I’m looking forward to it – for me I look for challenges and this will be a challenge but that’s what Test cricket is all about – tough and uncompromising and that’s what I like,” The Telegraph quoted Hughes, as saying.

“If they pick him, well and good, but my concern is not just him; but every one of their bowlers. They have three or four other real quality bowlers and so my focus isn’t just on Harmison. You have to play that red ball that’s in front of you and that is my sole focus,” he added.

Hughes has been receiving some one-on-one batting tuition from Test skipper Ricky Ponting.

In several private net sessions, Ponting instructed Hughes on how to be decisive against a bumper barrage – either by hitting aggressive cross-batted shots or taking evasive action.

Hughes, the son of a NSW banana farmer, has already made giant strides.

“I was in grade 10 at school when the last Ashes Test here was played at Lord’s and now for the first time for my country I’ll be walking out to open the batting at the home of cricket,” he said. (ANI)

Overpopulation is world’s No.1 environmental issue

Washington, April 18 (ANI): The faculty of a US university has determined that an overpopulated planet is the biggest problem that we face today, followed by climate change and a need for renewable energy resources.

According to a survey of the faculty at the SUNY (State University of New York) College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), overpopulation is the world’s top environmental issue, followed closely by climate change and the need to develop renewable energy resources to replace fossil fuels.

Just in time for Earth Day (April 22), the faculty at the college, at which environmental issues are the sole focus, was asked to help prioritize the planet’s most pressing environmental problems.

Overpopulation came out on top, with several professors pointing out its ties to other problems that rank high on the list.

“Overpopulation is the only problem,” said Dr. Charles A. Hall, a systems ecologist. “If we had 100 million people on Earth – or better, 10 million – no others would be a problem,” he added.

According to Dr. Allan P. Drew, a forest ecologist, “Overpopulation means that we are putting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than we should, just because more people are doing it and this is related to overconsumption by people in general, especially in the ‘developed’ world.”

“But, whether developed or developing, everyone is encouraged to ‘want’ and perceive that they ‘need’ to consume beyond the planet’s ability to provide,” said Dr. Susan Senecah, who teaches the history of the American environmental movement at SUNY.

The ESF faculty pointed to climate change as the second most-pressing issue, with the need to develop renewable energy resources to replace fossil fuels coming in third.

“Experimenting with the earth’s climate and chemistry has great risks,” said Dr. Thomas E. Amidon, who invented a process for removing energy-rich sugars from wood and fermenting those sugars into ethanol.

“This is a driver in climate change and loss of biodiversity and is a fundamental problem underlying our need to strive for sustainability,” he added. (ANI)

Kiwis hope to avoid a clean sweep in ODIs

Auckland (New Zealand), Mar.13 (ANI): The New Zealand cricket team will focus on avoiding a clean sweep against their Indian counterparts on Saturday, when they meet up for the fifth and final one-day international here.

New Zealand’s euphoria after their two Twenty20 victories against India has been punctured. The visitors have blasted the Kiwis into submission in the four ODIs played so far.

New Zealand’s bowlers have struggled to find the right lengths to contain India’s intimidating top order, let alone pick wickets. The quality of the pitches and sizes of the grounds have also played into India’s hands and that has deprived the series of any kind of competition.

India will have a few selection headaches, but not much to worry about. They may want to shuffle the batting order a bit to give an opportunity to batsmen who haven’t had much to do so far.

For New Zealand, their sole focus will be to win and for that to happen, the middle order will have to live up to its potential.

New Zealand will need to summon their pride collectively to give India a message i.e. that the upcoming Test series is not going to be a walkover like the one-day internationals. (ANI)