Unilever PLC - Research & Development Agrmnt

RNS No 9738x
UNILEVER PLC
UNILEVER NV
6th October 1998


UNILEVER LICENSES HAIR RESEARCH TO BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB

Unilever and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (6 October)
announced a research and development agreement in the area of
hair-loss prevention.  According to the companies, Bristol-
Myers Squibb will obtain the rights to hair follicle research
and patents developed by Unilever. Financial details were not
disclosed.

Unilever will receive milestone payments as Bristol-Myers
Squibb develops prescription compounds that will be used to
prevent hair loss. The companies also may collaborate on
development of over-the-counter products in the future.

"This is the first time that a technology from a Unilever
research program will be licensed to a pharmaceutical company
for the expressed purpose of developing a prescription
product," said Dr. Lincoln Krochmal, Unilever's Senior Vice
President, Home & Personal Care Research.  "This ground-
breaking agreement, with Bristol-Myers Squibb not only gives
them access to proven scientific technology, but provides
Unilever with potential commercialization of a technology
which was not being advanced to the marketplace."

"Bristol-Myers Squibb is a recognized industry leader in
bringing effective therapies to the market," said Milton E.
Goggans, President, Westwood-Squibb.  "We're pleased to have
this opportunity to add Unilever's research to our dermatology
discovery portfolio."


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