EXHIBIT 99(b)
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT UNDER PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM
ACT OF 1995 -- "SAFE HARBOR" FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Company may from time to time make certain forward-looking statements
in publicly-released materials, both written and oral. Forward-looking
statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may be
identified by their use of words like "plans," "expects," "will," "anticipates,"
"estimates" and other words of similar meaning. Such statements may address,
among other things, the Company's strategy for growth, product development,
regulatory approvals, market position, expenditures, and financial results.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations of future
events. The Company cannot guarantee that expectations expressed in
forward-looking statements will be realized. Some important factors that could
cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those projected in
any such forward-looking statements are as follows:
Economic factors, including inflation and fluctuations in interest
rates and foreign currency exchange rates and the potential effect of such
fluctuations on revenues, expenses and resulting margins.
Competitive factors, including technological advances achieved and
patents attained by competitors and generic competition as patents on the
Company's products expire.
Domestic and foreign healthcare reforms resulting in pricing
pressures, including the continued consolidation among healthcare
providers, trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment and
government laws and regulations relating to pharmaceutical reimbursement
and pricing generally.
Government laws and regulations, affecting domestic and foreign
operations, including those relating to trade, monetary and fiscal
policies, taxes, price controls, regulatory approval of new products and
licensing.
Difficulties inherent in product development, including the potential
inability to successfully continue technological innovation, complete
clinical trials, obtain regulatory approvals in the United States and
abroad, gain and maintain market approval of products and the possibility
of encountering infringement claims by competitors with respect to patent
or other intellectual property rights which can prelude or delay
commercialization of a product.
Significant litigation adverse to the Company including product
liability claims, patent infringement claims, and antitrust claims.
Product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or
declining sales.
The impact of business combinations, including acquisitions and
divestitures, and organizational restructuring consistent with evolving
business strategies.
Issuance of new or revised accounting standards by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This list sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could impact
upon the Company's ability to achieve results described in any forward-looking
statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
statements which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no
obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of future events
or developments.
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