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June 8, 2004
Dr. Francesco Bellini receives the Ordre national du Québec.
- Neurochem Inc. (NASDAQ: NRMX; TSX: NRM) is pleased to announce that the Premier of Quebec, Mr. Jean
Charest, has appointed Dr. Francesco Bellini, Neurochem's Chairman and CEO, as officer of the Ordre
national du Québec. The appointment was made in honor of his achievements and contribution to the
development of Quebec in the fields of science, business and community involvement.
In 1986, Dr. Bellini co-founded BioChem Pharma, one of Canada's most successful biopharmaceutical
companies, responsible for the discovery of 3TC®, the world's most prescribed anti-HIV/AIDS
medication. He is widely acclaimed as a pioneer of Quebec's and Canada's biopharmaceutical
industry.
During his career, Dr. Bellini has received broad recognition for his achievements. In 2000, he was
named an officer of the Order of Canada. He also received the highest distinction awarded by the
Italian government to a person for his contribution to Italy, the Onorificenza Di Grande Ufficialle.
In 1999, he was named Great Montrealer from l'Académie des Grands Montréalais. He has
also previously received a Ph.D. Honoris Causa from the following institutions: University of New
Brunswick, University of Ottawa, Concordia University, and McGill University.
Dr. Bellini is also well known for his community involvement. Among his many commitments, he is a
Director of Montreal's Heart Research Fund, a Governor of Concordia University, a Governor of the
Canadian-Italian Community Foundation, a Governor of Marie-Clarac Hospital Foundation, a Fellow of
the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers & Commerce, a member of Chemical
Institute of Canada, an Honorary Trustee of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital
Foundation. He is an active philanthropist having widely supported many universities, hospitals
and patient organizations, including through a major financial contribution for the Life Sciences
Building at McGill University.
Dr. Bellini's business activities are extensive. In addition to his strategic role at Neurochem Inc.,
Dr. Bellini is Chairman of Picchio Pharma Inc., a joint venture established between Dr. Bellini and
Power Technology Investment Corporation; Chairman of Adaltis Inc., an international healthcare
company that develops, manufactures and markets sophisticated laboratory products for the diagnosis
of human diseases; Chairman of Innodia Inc., a company specialized in the development of innovative
treatments for Diabetes; and Chairman of the newly created ViroChem Pharma Inc., a pharmaceutical
antiviral research and development organization. He is also a member of the board of directors of
Industrial-Alliance Life Insurance Company and of Molson Inc.
About Neurochem
Neurochem is focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for
neurological disorders. The Company's pipeline of proprietary, disease-modifying, oral products
addresses critical, unmet medical needs. Fibrillex™, designated as an orphan drug and as a
Fast Track Product candidate, is in a Phase II/III clinical trial for the treatment of Amyloid A
Amyloidosis. Alzhemed™ and Cerebril™, for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and for
the prevention of Hemorrhagic Stroke caused by Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, respectively, have both
completed a Phase II clinical trial. For additional information on Neurochem, please visit our
website at: (www.neurochem.com).
Certain statements contained in this news release, other than statements of fact that are
independently verifiable at the date hereof, may constitute forward-looking statements. Such
statements, based as they are on the current expectations of management, inherently involve
numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, many of which are beyond Neurochem's control.
Such risks include but are not limited to: the impact of general economic conditions, general
conditions in the pharmaceutical industry, changes in the regulatory environment in the
jurisdictions in which Neurochem does business, stock market volatility, fluctuations in costs,
and changes to the competitive environment due to consolidation as well as other risks included
in public filings of Neurochem. Consequently, actual future results may differ materially from
the anticipated results expressed in the forward-looking statements. The reader should not place
undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this news release. These statements
speak only as of the date made and Neurochem is under no obligation and disavows any intention to
update or revise such statements as a result of any event, circumstances or otherwise.
For further Information, please contact:
Dr. Lise Hébert
Vice President, Corporate Communications
lhebert@neurochem.com
275 Armand-Frappier
Laval (Quebec)
H7V 4A7
Tel: (450) 680-4500
Fax: (450) 680-4501
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