Johnson & Johnson 1999 Third Quarter Sales Increased 17.9% Net Earnings Rose 14.4% EPS Rose 14.3

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Oct. 19-- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced sales of $6.7 billion and net earnings of $1.1 billion for the third quarter of 1999, increases of 17.9% and 14.4%, respectively, over 1998 third-quarter results. Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter were $.80, up 14.3% from the same period in 1998. The impact of the stronger dollar relative to foreign currencies decreased third-quarter sales by 1.3%. Domestic sales were up 24.1%, while international sales increased 10.7%, reflecting a negative currency impact of 2.9%.

"We continue to achieve strong double-digit sales and earnings growth that reflects the strength and vitality of our businesses in all segments and almost all geographic areas," said Ralph S. Larsen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Of particular note is the impressive performance of our domestic pharmaceutical business."

Worldwide pharmaceutical sales of $2.6 billion for the quarter increased 23.9% over the same period in 1998, including 35.7% growth in domestic sales and a 9.5% increase in international sales. International sales gains of 12.6% in local currency were offset by a negative currency impact of 3.1%. Sales growth reflects the strong performance of PROCRIT/EPREX, for the treatment of anemia; RISPERDAL, an antipsychotic medication; DURAGESIC, a transdermal patch for chronic pain; LEVAQUIN, an anti-infective; ULTRAM, an analgesic, and the oral contraceptive line of products.

During the quarter, the company announced a $4.9 billion definitive stock-for-stock merger with Centocor, Inc., a leader in monoclonal antibody technology and acute vascular care and immunology products. The merger was completed on October 6, 1999. "Centocor is an important strategic addition to our worldwide pharmaceutical business," said Mr. Larsen. "Centocor will enhance existing Johnson & Johnson growth platforms in biotechnology, cardiology, circulatory diseases and gastrointestinals."

Also in the quarter, Eisai Inc. received approval from the FDA for ACIPHEX (rabeprazole), a proton pump inhibitor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), GERD maintenance, duodenal ulcers and treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Janssen Pharmaceutica, a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, and Eisai have entered into a strategic alliance to market rabeprazole worldwide with the exception of Japan and certain other territories.

Additional news in the quarter was the FDA approval for new indications of TOPAMAX (topiramate), an anti-epileptic drug. Approval was received for adjunctive therapy for partial onset seizures in pediatric patients and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and pediatric patients.

Worldwide sales of $2.4 billion in the Professional segment represented an increase of 19.9% over the third quarter of 1998. Domestic sales were up 19.2% while international sales increased by 20.8%. The 1998 acquisition of DePuy, Inc., a leading orthopaedic products manufacturer, contributed to the strong sales growth in the Professional segment. In addition, strong sales performance was achieved by Ethicon Endo-Surgery's laparoscopy and wound closure products; Ethicon's Mitek suture anchors and Gynecare women's health products, and Vistakon's disposable contact lens products.

During the quarter, the company received FDA approval to market its new CrossFlex (TM)LC coronary stent, a laser-cut stainless steel stent designed to be a true workhorse stent that combines exceptional deliverability with excellent scaffolding and high radial strength. The CrossFlex (TM)LC delivery system, which incorporates Cordis' latest balloon catheter technology, is specifically engineered to minimize the risk of stent embolization through the use of Cordis' proprietary Nesting(TM) technology. This technology helps to secure the stent to the delivery balloon until the moment of deployment.

Worldwide Consumer segment sales for the third quarter of 1999 were $1.7 billion, an increase of 7.4% versus the same period a year ago. Domestic sales were up 14.3% while international sales gains in local currency of 7.0% were almost entirely offset by a negative currency impact of 6.7%. Consumer sales were led by continued strength in the skin care franchise, which includes the NEUTROGENA, RoC and CLEAN & CLEAR product lines, as well as solid results from McNeil Consumer Healthcare, which markets the TYLENOL family of products, BENECOL and other over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.

During the quarter, the company launched BENECOL dressings, margarine spread in tubs and snack bars in the United States. BENECOL contains the dietary ingredient stanol ester, which is patented for use in reducing cholesterol.

Johnson & Johnson, with approximately 96,000 employees, is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical and professional markets. Johnson & Johnson has nearly 190 operating companies in 52 countries around the world, selling products in more than 175 countries. In 1998, the company recorded sales of $23.7 billion.

(This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from these statements. Risks and uncertainties include general industry and market conditions; general domestic and international economic conditions, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; domestic and foreign healthcare reforms; trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment, and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in a Cautionary Statement filed as an Exhibit to the company's report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended July 4, 1999. Copies of this Form 10Q are available on request from the company. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.)

JOHNSON & JOHNSON AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTARY SALES DATA (Unaudited; Dollars in Millions) THIRD QUARTER Percent 1999 1998 Increase SALES TO CUSTOMERS BY SEGMENT OF BUSINESS Consumer Domestic $921 806 14.3 International 783 781 .3 1,704 1,587 7.4 Pharmaceutical Domestic 1,565 1,153 35.7 International 1,035 945 9.5 2,600 2,098 23.9 Professional Domestic 1,331 1,117 19.2 International 1,114 922 20.8 2,445 2,039 19.9 Domestic 3,817 3,076 24.1 International 2,932 2,648 10.7 WORLDWIDE $6,749 5,724 17.9

JOHNSON & JOHNSON AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTARY SALES DATA (Unaudited; Dollars in Millions) NINE MONTHS Percent 1999 1998 Increase SALES TO CUSTOMERS BY SEGMENT OF BUSINESS Consumer Domestic $ 2,722 2,398 13.5 International 2,398 2,398 -- 5,120 4,796 6.8 Pharmaceutical Domestic 4,622 3,500 32.1 International 3,167 2,852 11.0 7,789 6,352 22.6 Professional Domestic 3,935 3,275 20.2 International 3,397 2,867 18.5 7,332 6,142 19.4 Domestic 11,279 9,173 23.0 International 8,962 8,117 10.4 WORLDWIDE $20,241 17,290 17.1 JOHNSON & JOHNSON AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTARY SALES DATA (Unaudited; Dollars in Millions)

THIRD QUARTER Percent 1999 1998 Increase SALES TO CUSTOMERS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA Domestic $3,817 3,076 24.1 Europe 1,564 1,482 5.5 Western Hemisphere Excluding U.S. 510 520 (1.9) Asia-Pacific, Africa 858 646 32.8 International 2,932 2,648 10.7 WORLDWIDE $6,749 5,724 17.9

JOHNSON & JOHNSON AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTARY SALES DATA (Unaudited; Dollars in Millions) NINE MONTHS Percent 1999 1998 Increase SALES TO CUSTOMERS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA Domestic $11,279 9,173 23.0 Europe 4,992 4,607 8.4 Western Hemisphere Excluding U.S. 1,491 1,560 (4.4) Asia-Pacific, Africa 2,479 1,950 27.1 International 8,962 8,117 10.4 WORLDWIDE $20,241 17,290 17.1

JOHNSON & JOHNSON AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (Unaudited; in Millions Except Per Share Figures) THIRD QUARTER 1999 Percent Amount to Sales Sales to customers $6,749 100.0 Cost of products sold 2,030 30.1 Selling, marketing and administrative expenses 2,564 38.0 Research expense 613 9.1 Interest (income)/expense, net (19) (.3) Other (income)/expense, net 50 .7 5,238 77.6 Earnings before provision for taxes on income 1,511 22.4 Provision for taxes on income 412 6.1 Net earnings $1,099 16.3 Net earnings per share (Diluted) $.80 Average shares outstanding (Diluted) 1,373.6 Effective tax rate 27.3%

JOHNSON & JOHNSON AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (Unaudited; in Millions Except Per Share Figures) THIRD QUARTER 1998 Percent Percent Amount to Sales Increase Sales to customers $5,724 100.0 17.9 Cost of products sold 1,758 30.7 15.5 Selling, marketing and administrative expenses 2,151 37.6 19.2 Research expense 511 8.9 20.0 Interest (income)/expense, net (41) (.7) Other (income)/expense, net 28 .5 4,407 77.0 18.9 Earnings before provision for taxes on income 1,317 23.0 14.7 Provision for taxes on income 356 6.2 15.7 Net earnings $961 16.8 14.4 Net earnings per share (Diluted) $.70 14.3 Average shares outstanding (Diluted) 1,373.0 Effective tax rate 27.0% JOHNSON & JOHNSON AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (Unaudited; in Millions Except Per Share Figures) NINE MONTHS 1999 Percent Amount to Sales Sales to customers $ 20,241 100.0 Cost of products sold 6,154 30.4 Selling, marketing and administrative expenses 7,516 37.1 Research expense 1,723 8.5 Interest (income)/expense, net (25) (.1) Other (income)/expense, net 143 .7 15,511 76.6 Earnings before provision for taxes on income 4,730 23.4 Provision for taxes on income 1,348 6.7 Net earnings $3,382 16.7 Net earnings per share (Diluted) $2.46 Average shares outstanding (Diluted) 1,372.8 Effective tax rate 28.5% JOHNSON & JOHNSON AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (Unaudited; in Millions Except Per Share Figures) NINE MONTHS 1998 Percent Percent Amount to Sales Increase

Sales to customers $ 17,290 100.0 17.1 Cost of products sold 5,338 30.9 15.3 Selling, marketing and administrative expenses 6,365 36.8 18.1 Research expense 1,537 8.9 12.1 Interest (income)/expense, net (112) (.6) Other (income)/expense, net 40 .2 13,168 76.2 17.8 Earnings before provision for taxes on income 4,122 23.8 14.8 Provision for taxes on income 1,146 6.6 17.6 Net earnings $2,976 17.2 13.6 Net earnings per share (Diluted) $2.17 13.4 Average shares outstanding (Diluted) 1,371.4 Effective tax rate 27.8%

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson