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Kristin Regans
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Email: KRegans@prfirm.net

For Immediate Release


MERCK & CO. ANNOUNCES FIRST BIRTH CONTROL SHOT FOR MEN

Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: August 6, 2010

While birth control has long been the burden of the woman, a groundbreaking announcement from researchers at Merck & Co. paves the way for men to start taking the matter into their own hands (or arms, more specifically). The first and only birth control shot for men, Semexal, has been approved by the FDA and is now available for prescription use.

The monthly injection works by releasing testosterone undecanoate (TU), which drastically lowers sperm levels. According to head researcher Dr. John Amory, “Although testosterone usually triggers sperm production, too much testosterone can shut down the testes. With Semexal injections, the brain sees the hormones and thinks, 'Oh, we're making plenty of that,' and shuts off [sperm] production."

The Semexal shot, which has been 98% effective at preventing pregnancy in a 2 year study of over 1,000 men, has little to no side effects, and is comparable in price to women’s monthly birth control pills at $30/month.

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Merck’s Birth Control for Men p. 2

Researchers at Merck have taken eight years experimenting with the timing and application of testosterone before achieving success with the development of Semexal, and believe they will have continued success as it hits the market. “We don't have a lot of trouble recruiting men for our studies; Semexal is an attractive option for numerous reasons. There are many couples where the woman can't use the pill for a variety of reasons, or just doesn't want the pill. For them, it is a great alternative”, says Merck Spokesman Bob Fletcher.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK), established in 1891 and headquartered out of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, is currently one of the seven largest pharmaceutical companies in the world both by market capitalization and revenue. Merck & Co. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company. Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of innovative products to improve human and animal health, directly and through its joint ventures.