ROCKLAND, Mass., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Serono (virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA) announced today the results of two research studies investigating methods that may ultimately improve the implantation rate of embryos transferred during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Using embryo fingerprinting and genomics technologies, scientists identified genomic markers that may indicate the likelihood of a successful implantation and single-birth pregnancy. The results will be announced this week at the conjoint meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society in Montreal, Quebec. "These studies represent significant advances in developing more reliable techniques to assess the most viable embryos for transfer," says Richard Scott, MD, from the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, NJ, who collaborated on both the studies with the Serono Research Institute. "The new methods explored in these studies have the potential to impact clinical practice by increasing implantation rates and decreasing multiple pregnancies through fewer transfers of higher quality embryos." Excluding preimplantation genetic diagnosis, the only method available for embryo selection is morphological appearance. The first study undertaken by Serono scientists identified a new method designed to enable clinicians and embryologists to distinguish between embryos that successfully implant from those that do not. Single cells, called blastomeres, were obtained from several embryos that had been randomly selected. Using the new methodology, researchers were able to genetically match the cells to their original embryos, correlating a genetic pattern with embryo quality. In the second study led by scientists from Serono, a process was identified to amplify RNA from a single blastomere to obtain sufficient material to measure expression of all the genes in the human genome -- a critical step forward in embryo phenotyping. Once the RNA is amplified, a lab is able to screen for markers in viable embryos. Eventually, proteins corresponding to the relevant genes can be measured to distinguish higher quality embryos from less viable embryos, a procedure suitable for all embryos. These studies demonstrate Serono's leadership and continued momentum in the area of reproductive health. "We're confident Serono and our collaborators will bring to IVF clinics a simple, accurate set of tools that will enable them to select the most viable embryo for transfer," says Steve Arkinstall, Vice President of Research and Head of Serono Research Institute. "We are committed to the development of technologies that can advance assisted reproductive technologies and ultimately improve pregnancy rates." About Serono, Inc. and Fertility Serono, Inc., a subsidiary of Serono S.A., is a leader in fertility health, dedicated to developing patient-friendly, innovative products that help people build families. It is the only company to offer a full portfolio of fertility medications for every stage of the reproductive cycle and recombinant versions of three hormones used in the treatment of infertility, including the newly approved Gonal-f(R) RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection). For more information, please contact Fertility LifeLines(TM), a toll-free educational service that offers customized information and support to people with fertility health concerns, available at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879). About Serono Serono is a global biotechnology leader. The Company has eight biotechnology products, Rebif(R), Gonal-f(R), Luveris(R), Ovidrel(R)/Ovitrelle(R), Serostim(R), Saizen(R), Zorbtive(TM) and Raptiva(R). In addition to being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth and has recently entered the psoriasis area. The Company's research programs are focused on growing these businesses and on establishing new therapeutic areas, including oncology. Currently, there are approximately 25 ongoing development projects. In 2004, Serono achieved worldwide revenues of US$2,458.1 million, and a net income of US$494.2 million, making it the third largest biotech company in the world. Its products are sold in over 90 countries. Bearer shares of Serono S.A., the holding company, are traded on the virt-x (SEO) and its American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (SRA). Some of the statements in this press release are forward looking. Such statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Serono S.A. and affiliates to be materially different from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on Serono's current expectations and assumptions, which may be affected by a number of factors, including those discussed in this press release and more fully described in Serono's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2005. These factors include any failure or delay in Serono's ability to develop new products, any failure to receive anticipated regulatory approvals, any problems in commercializing current products as a result of competition or other factors, our ability to obtain reimbursement coverage for our products, the outcome of government investigations and litigation and government regulations limiting our ability to sell our products. Serono has no responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. For more information, please contact: Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA Media Relations: Dana Jessup Tel. +1 781 681 2443 Fax: +1 781 681 2935 http://www.seronousa.com/ DATASOURCE: Serono CONTACT: Media Relations: Dana Jessup of Serono, Inc., +1-781-681-2443 Web site: http://www.seronousa.com/

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