Schering-Plough Corporation has opened commercial operations in Korea and Pakistan, effective July 1, 2005. The actions are part of a long-term strategy to build strength in its Asia Pacific region.

"Asia Pacific overall is a growth region for health care," Fred Hassan, chairman and chief executive officer, Schering-Plough Corporation said adding, "Our announcement regarding Korea and Pakistan represents a commitment by our company to invest in this region, as another step in our journey to transform Schering-Plough into a global, high-performance health care company."

Schering-Plough Korea is now headquartered in the capital city of Seoul. Thomas Appio has been appointed general manager and will report to Rodney Unsworth, Group Vice President, Asia Pacific Region. The company will assume responsibility for specialty care products, including Peg-Intron (peginterferon alfa-2b), Remicade (infliximab) and Temodal (temozolomide) as well as certain animal health products. The leading Korean pharmaceutical company Yuhan Corporation will continue to market and sell several of the company's primary care products, including the allergy products Claritin (loratadine) and Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) and other leading brands.

Schering-Plough Pakistan is now headquartered in Islamabad. Sarfraz-ul-Haq has been appointed general manager and will report to Ashley Morris, Area Director, Asia Pacific Region. The company will assume responsibility for Peg-Intron and Clarinase (loratadine and pseudoephedrine).