Biogen Idec Names Cecil B. Pickett President, Research & Development

Cambridge, MA (July 12, 2006) - Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) announced today that Cecil B. Pickett, Ph.D., has been named President, Research & Development (R&D). Dr. Pickett will join the Biogen Idec Board of Directors, and will report to James C. Mullen, Biogen Idec’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“I am delighted to have Cecil Pickett lead our global R&D organization,” said Mullen. “We look forward to having him help us continue to attract top talent, advance our organic pipeline, and develop even more R&D partnerships.”

“Cecil’s experience, passion for science, and impressive track record of industry leadership will be a valued addition to our Board of Directors,” said Bruce Ross, Biogen Idec’s Chairman.

Dr. Pickett joins Biogen Idec from Schering-Plough Corporation, where he has held several senior R&D positions since 1993, most recently as Corporate Senior Vice President & President, Schering-Plough Research Institute. In this capacity, Dr. Pickett helped bring several large and small molecule candidates into the Schering-Plough clinical development pipeline. Prior to joining Schering-Plough, he held several senior R&D positions at Merck & Company.

Dr. Pickett received his Ph.D. in cell biology from UCLA and his B.Sc. in biology from California State University at Hayward.

About Biogen Idec

Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in oncology, neurology and immunology. As a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of novel therapies, Biogen Idec transforms scientific discoveries into advances in human healthcare. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.

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Jose Juves

Director Public Affairs

Biogen Idec

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