LICENSING

BG Medicine Collaborates with Merck on Development of Blood Test Related to
Lipid Disorders

WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, February 17, 2010 - BG Medicine, Inc. today announced that it has entered into a research collaboration with Merck, through a subsidiary, for the development and validation of a novel biomarker with potential application in the management of lipid disorders. BG Medicine will pursue development and validation of an immunoassay and investigate its clinical utility as a biomarker. If successful, BG Medicine plans to complete the development and validation studies and seek regulatory clearance for the test.

Under the agreement, Merck has granted BG Medicine a semi-exclusive license to certain Merck intellectual property and technologies for use and development of a candidate in vitro diagnostic test in exchange for certain testing services, data sharing, and other considerations. BG Medicine is eligible for certain payments upon achievement of established milestones.

“This project holds the potential to improve the management of a common disorder that plays an important role in the risk for heart attack and stroke, two of the most deadly medical conditions of our time,” said Pieter Muntendam, MD, President and CEO of BG Medicine.

About Lipid Disorders

An estimated 36 million adult Americans have elevated levels of cholesterol of greater than 240mg/dL. Reducing plasma cholesterol remains a national priority. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, it is estimated that a 10% population wide decrease in total cholesterol levels would result in an approximate 30% reduction in the incidence of coronary heart disease. Of patients treated for high cholesterol, only about one third are achieving their goal for LDL, often referred to as “bad cholesterol.”

About BG Medicine

BG Medicine is a life sciences company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel diagnostics based on biomarkers to improve patient outcomes and contain healthcare costs.

Forward-Looking Statement for Merck & Co., Inc.

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking statements may include statements regarding product development, product potential, or financial performance. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements in this booklet should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Merck's business, particularly those mentioned in the risk factors and cautionary statements in Item 1A of Merck's Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, and in any risk factors or cautionary statements contained in the Company's periodic reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K, which the Company incorporates by reference.

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