Leerink Swann & Company Wins "Best of Boutiques" in 2005 Institutional Investor Poll

In polling for its All-America Research Team Institutional Investor asked portfolio managers and buy-side analysts to name the best boutiques in health care. Leerink Swann & Company was named the best firm in the following categories: Biotechnology, Medical Supplies and Devices, Pharmaceuticals/Major and Pharmaceuticals/Specialty.

"For the fifth consecutive year our clients have recognized the value of our specialized research as they continue to distinguish Leerink Swann from bulge bracket firms because of our intense focus on health care. The commitment we have made to personnel in our Equity Research and MEDACorp Departments in a challenging environment complement our award-winning health care sales force and distribution team and helps continue to separate Leerink Swann from our competitors," said Jeffrey A. Leerink, Chairman and CEO of Leerink Swann.

About Leerink Swann & Company

Leerink Swann & Company is an investment banking firm that provides healthcare equity research, corporate finance, and asset management services for institutional and high-net-worth clients. Leerink Swann & Company was voted the Best Firm in Biotechnology, Medical Supplies and Devices, Pharmaceuticals/Major and Pharmaceuticals/Specialty in the December 2005 Institutional Investor poll ranking the best boutique and regional firms by sector. Through its consulting affiliate, MEDACorp, Leerink Swann & Company provides biomedical-consulting services to Life Sciences companies and to the institutional investment community. Through its internal team of experts and its dedicated external network of academic and community healthcare professionals, MEDACorp assesses the viability of cutting-edge medical technologies, thus giving decision makers the information they need to perform. Leerink Swann & Company is a member NASD/SIPC.

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