ICN Pharmaceuticals

Executive Summary

Proposed joint venture with the China National Medical Corp. covers the production of ribavirin in the Peoples Republic, where hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever -- both treated by the drug -- are endemic; some 100 mil. Chinese are estimated to carry some form of hepatitis virus. The joint venture will initially produce 10,000 kg of ribavirin annually, of which ICN will purchase at least 50%. ICN will also assist CNMC to improve marketing and distribution of the drug and to boost its acceptance in the medical community.