SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
________
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of March, 2005
Serono S.A.
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(Registrant's Name)
15 bis, Chemin des Mines
Case Postale 54
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
1-15096
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(Commission File No.)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
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(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101 (b)(1).) ______
(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101 (b)(7).) ______
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to
the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.)
Yes No X
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(If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-______)
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
SERONO
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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SERONO ANNOUNCES MAJOR MILESTONE IN IDENTIFYING THE GENES
INVOLVED IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
IDENTIFICATION OF 80 GENES INVOLVED IN THE INFLAMMATORY AND NEURO-DEGENERATIVE
PATHWAYS OF MS PROVIDE POTENTIAL NEW DRUG TARGETS
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND AND EVRY, FRANCE - MARCH 17, 2005 -
Serono (virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA), the world's third largest biotechnology
company, announced today that researchers at the Serono Genetics Institute (SGI)
have achieved a major milestone in identifying and creating a register of genes
involved in multiple sclerosis (MS). For the first time in this disease area,
researchers at the SGI have identified 80 genes involved in the inflammatory and
neuro-degenerative pathways of MS, based on a 40% genome scan comparing the
genetic profile of a total of 1,800 people with MS and healthy individuals in
different populations.
"We are excited about this significant step forward in building a complete
inventory of genes involved in MS, " said Professor Daniel Cohen, Vice-President
and Worldwide Head of Genetics at Serono. "The completion of the MS Whole Genome
Scan in 2006 will lead to a comprehensive catalogue of potential MS drug targets
providing a basis for the future development of innovative MS therapies."
"We are dedicated to the task of understanding diseases and developing the
treatments of the future", said Ernesto Bertarelli, CEO of Serono. "Through our
current marketed products, such as Rebif(R), our research and development
projects and the major findings announced today, Serono is underscoring its
commitment to improving the lives of people with MS and will pave the way for
innovative treatments."
The understanding of the disease genetics in MS will enhance Serono's drug
discovery in identifying proteins that can be used either as targets for drug
development or directly as therapeutics. In addition, the knowledge of genetics
in MS provides a basis for better designing safer and more effective drugs and
enabling physicians to address unmet needs and potentially better match
treatments to the individual patient.
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This large-scale association study was performed in a French, Swedish and
American population, including a total of 900 people with MS and an equivalent
number of healthy individuals. Researchers at SGI used the Affymetrix GeneChip
technology to scan over 100,000 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) to
identify the genes involved in MS, comparing the genetic profile of cases and
controls. The next step is to continue this endeavour, applying next generation
GeneChip technology to scan over 500,000 SNPs and thus complete the MS Whole
Genome Scan during 2006.
Serono's mission is to discover and develop innovative products to fight
debilitating diseases, such as MS, and improve the quality of life of patients.
Based on the human genome sequence, this fundamental advance in understanding
the genetic roots of MS is a major landmark in the development of more targeted
therapies of the future.
- ends -
ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the nervous system
and is the most common, non-traumatic, neurological disease in young adults.
Multiple sclerosis may affect approximately two million people worldwide. While
symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include
blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with strength and
coordination. The relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis are the most common.
ABOUT THE SERONO GENETICS INSTITUTE
Founded in 1989, the company joined the Serono Group in 2002 and counts 130
people (90% of them working in Research). The expertise acquired all along these
years makes the Serono Genetics Institute a Center of Excellence in Human
Genetics. Fully integrated with the global state-of-the-art research facilities
of Serono, the Serono Genetics Institute is contributing to create a unique
biotech approach that brings human genetics into all stages of the discovery and
development process, to increase the quality of Serono's therapeutic molecules.
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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, 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.
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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 30 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).
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
CORPORATE MEDIA RELATIONS: CORPORATE INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Tel: +41 22 739 36 00 Tel: +41 22 739 36 01
Fax: +41 22 739 30 85 Fax: +41 22 739 30 22
http://www.serono.com Reuters: SEO.VX / SRA.N
--------------------- Bloomberg: SEO VX / SRA US
MEDIA RELATIONS, USA: INVESTOR RELATIONS, USA:
Tel: +1 781 681 2340 Tel: +1 781 681 2552
Fax: +1 781 681 2935 Fax: +1 781 681 2912
http://www.seronousa.com
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SERONO S.A.
a Swiss corporation
(Registrant)
March 17, 2005 By: /s/ Stuart Grant
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Name: Stuart Grant
Title: Chief Financial Officer