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Press releases 2006

Italy

Alliance UniChem continues European roll-out of Almus with launch in Italy
2 June 2006

Alliance UniChem Plc is continuing the European roll-out of Almus®, its exclusive range of generic drugs, with its launch into the Italian market. The launch took place at Cosmofarma, Italy's number one pharmaceutical trade fair, which took place from 26 - 28 May in Rome.

Since its launch in the UK in 2003, Almus® has rapidly become one of the top five generic brands in the country thanks to its unique award winning packaging, competitive pricing and ready availability. The Almus® range was launched in France in April 2006 and has been well-received by pharmacists. It looks set to become as popular in Europe as it is in the UK.

Alleanza Salute Italia, the Italian wholesale business of Alliance UniChem, will provide an excellent distribution channel for the supply of Almus® through its national network coverage.

Further launches of the Almus® range of products are planned in Spain and Portugal. Over time, Almus® will be rolled out into every European market in which Alliance UniChem has a presence.

Ricardo Iacometti, Managing Director of Alleanza Salute Italia, said: "The arrival of Almus® in Italy will facilitate the growth of generics with patients and will provide benefits for healthcare sector as it will optimise health expenditure."

Ornella Barra, Executive Director, Alliance UniChem, commented: "Almus® is one of the market leaders in the UK. With its launch in Italy and France in 2006 and thereafter in Spain and Portugal, we aim to create a well-known and highly successful pan-European brand. The development of Almus throughout Europe is in line with Alliance UniChem's strong partnership with manufacturers and with our commitment to our core businesses of pharmaceutical wholesale and community pharmacy."