UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR
15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of ~~September~~ November

Commission File Number 1-15096

Serono S.A.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

15 bis, Chemin des Mines
Case Postale 54
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland

(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F x Form 40-F o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes o No x

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- .

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

~~ONE-YEAR~~ZYMOGENETICS AND ~~DATA~~SERONO ~~FROM~~REPORT ~~PHASE~~DETAILED ~~III~~POSITIVE ~~TRIAL~~RESULTS ~~SHOW~~FROM ~~THAT~~ ATACICEPT ~~NEW~~PHASE ~~FORMULATION~~1B OFCLINICAL ~~REBIF®~~TRIAL ~~OFFERS~~IN ~~SUBSTANTIAL~~PATIENTS ~~IMPROVEMENT~~WITH LUPUS

INClear ~~TOLERABILITY~~biologic ~~AND~~activity, ~~IMMUNOGENICITY~~tolerability ~~PROFILES~~and trends toward efficacy observed

~~Data~~Seattle, ~~Presented~~USA and Geneva, Switzerland, November 13, 2006 — ZymoGenetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZGEN) and Serono (virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA) today presented positive results at ~~22nd ECTRIMS~~the ~~Congress~~American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual meeting from a Phase 1b study in ~~Madrid~~systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients treated with atacicept(1). The results showed that atacicept was well tolerated across all dose levels and schedules in the study. In addition, atacicept therapy was associated with clear biologic activity, as shown by dose-dependent reductions in several biologic markers, consistent with atacicept’s proposed mechanism of action.

~~Madrid,~~“ZymoGenetics ~~Spain,~~and ~~September 28, 2006 –~~ Serono ~~(virt-x:~~are ~~SEO~~striving ~~and~~to ~~NYSE:~~develop ~~SRA) announced today data from~~ an ~~ongoing two-year (96 weeks) Phase IIIb trial show that the new~~ ~~formulation~~effective oftherapy ~~Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) 44 mcg subcutaneously (sc) three times weekly (tiw)~~ for ~~the~~ ~~treatment~~patients ofwho ~~relapsing~~suffer ~~forms~~from ~~of multiple sclerosis (MS) offers substantial improvement in tolerability and reduction in antibody formation observed at one year (48 weeks)~~lupus,” ~~compared~~said ~~with~~Bruce ~~historical data from patients~~L.A. ~~Historical data~~Carter, ~~for~~President ~~the~~and ~~currently~~Chief ~~available~~Executive ~~formulation~~Officer of ~~Rebif® is the EVIDENCE study~~ZymoGenetics. ~~These~~“We ~~data~~believe ~~are~~atacicept has ~~presented today at a satellite symposium at~~ the ~~22nd Congress~~potential ofto ~~the European~~help ~~Committee~~people ~~for~~with ~~Treatment~~this ~~and~~debilitating ~~Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Madrid, Spain~~disease.”

~~“These~~The ~~results~~primary ~~are~~objective ~~promising~~of ~~news~~the ~~for~~dose-escalating ~~patients~~Phase ~~with~~1b ~~multiple~~clinical ~~sclerosis~~trial,” ~~said~~which ~~Prof~~included ~~Per~~49 ~~Soelberg~~patients ~~Sørensen,~~with ~~from~~SLE ~~the~~in ~~Danish~~6 ~~MS Research Center~~cohorts, ~~Copenhagen~~was ~~University~~to determine ~~Hospital,~~the ~~Rigshospitalet~~safety and ~~an investigator~~tolerability of ~~the~~atacicept ~~trial~~administered subcutaneously. Secondary ~~“If~~objectives ~~approved~~included examining the ~~new~~effects ~~formulation~~ of ~~Rebif® potentially~~various ~~represents~~dose anand schedule ~~improvement~~regimens inon ~~the treatment~~markers of ~~patients~~biologic ~~with~~activity ~~multiple~~and ~~sclerosis~~disease activity.”

“The ~~incidence~~Phase of1b ~~injection~~results ~~site~~are ~~reactions~~very ~~with~~encouraging ~~the new~~and ~~formulation~~we ofare looking ~~Rebif® at~~forward 48to ~~weeks~~moving ~~was nearly three-fold less than in~~ the ~~EVIDENCE~~clinical ~~study~~development ~~(29.6% versus 83.8%). Injection site reactions are one~~ of ~~the~~ ~~reasons~~atacicept ~~why~~in ~~some~~ patients ~~discontinue MS treatment. Treatment enhancements~~ ~~resulting~~with inSLE ato ~~decrease~~Phase of2,” ~~injection~~said ~~site~~Franck ~~reactions~~Latrille, ~~are~~Senior ~~usually~~Executive ~~associated~~Vice ~~with~~President, ~~improved~~Corporate ~~compliance~~Global ~~and~~Product ~~adherence~~Development toat ~~treatment~~Serono.

~~The~~ZymoGenetics ~~primary~~and ~~endpoint~~Serono ofare ~~the~~in ~~study is~~dialogue ~~the~~with ~~proportion of neutralizing antibody positive patients at~~ the ~~last~~FDA ~~assessment.~~regarding Atthe 48SLE ~~weeks,~~Phase ~~the~~2 ~~data~~clinical ~~showed~~development ~~that 13~~program.9% ofThe ~~patients~~companies ~~treated with~~are ~~the~~planning ~~new~~to ~~formulation~~initiate ~~of Rebif® were neutralizing antibody positive. In~~ the ~~EVIDENCE~~ ~~study~~trial atin 48SLE ~~weeks, 24.4% of the patients were positive. Persistent neutralizing antibodies were detected~~ in 2mid-2007.~~5% of the patients treated with the new formulation of Rebif® at 48 weeks. In the EVIDENCE study at 48 weeks, the rate of persistent neutralizing antibodies observed was 14.3%.~~

~~“The new~~Key ~~formulation~~Study of Rebif® has been developed by an innovative approach, using state-of-the-art technologies, with a major focus on the molecule’s structural and functional integrity”, said Franck Latrille, Senior Executive Vice President Global Product Development at Serono. “Based on the improvements in tolerability and immunogenicity, the new formulation of Rebif® could lead to an improved benefit-to-risk profile”.Findings:

1Clear biologic activity:

~~The~~Consistent ~~new~~with ~~formulation of Rebif® is~~ the ~~latest~~mode of ~~many~~ product developments from Serono to continually enhance the convenience and tolerability of Rebif®. Other enhancements have included the Rebiject II auto-injector to facilitate injections; a 29 gauge-5 bevel needle pre-filled syringe, the thinnest needle in a ready-to-use pre-filled syringe for the treatment of MS; and a titration pack designed to make starting on Rebif® therapy easier and more convenient. The new formulation of Rebif® is currently under regulatory review by the European Medicines Agency, the US Food and Drug Administration and other healthcare authorities.action:

~~The~~· Immunoglobulins ~~results~~showed ~~presented today are the 48-week results~~prompt ~~from a 96~~dose-~~week,~~related ~~Phase~~decreases ~~IIIb, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of the new formulation of Rebif® 44 mcg sc tiw in 260 patients~~ with ~~relapsing~~atacicept ~~forms of MS~~treatment. ~~The primary objective of the study was to compare the antigenicity of new formulation Rebif to historical data.~~

~~About~~· Among ~~Rebif®~~patients treated with the highest study dose of atacicept (9mg/kg), median IgA, IgG and IgM levels were reduced by 32, 16 and nearly 50 percent relative to baseline. Patients treated with placebo showed average reductions of only four percent.

~~Rebif® (interferon~~· Repeated ~~beta-1a) is a disease-modifying~~doses ~~drug~~were ~~used~~associated towith ~~treat~~greater ~~relapsing~~decreases ~~forms~~in ofimmunoglobulin ~~multiple~~(Ig) ~~sclerosis~~levels ~~and is similar to the~~than ~~interferon~~single ~~beta~~equivalent ~~protein produced by the human body~~doses. ~~Interferon helps modulate the body’s immune system, fight disease and reduce inflammation.~~

~~Rebif®, which was approved in Europe~~· Following intreatment ~~1998 and in the US in 2002~~cessation, isIg ~~registered~~levels inreturned ~~more~~towards ~~than 80 countries worldwide~~baseline. In the United States, Rebif® is co-marketed by Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Rebif® has been proven to delay the progression of disability, reduce the frequency of relapses and reduce MRI lesion activity and area(1). Rebif® is available in a 22 mcg and 44 mcg ready-to-use pre-filled syringe and a titration pack, and can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days if a refrigerator is not available.

~~Most~~· Mature ~~commonly~~and ~~reported side effects are injection~~total ~~site disorders, flu~~B-~~like~~cells ~~symptoms,~~showed ~~elevation~~a ~~of liver enzymes and blood cell abnormalities. Patients~~sustained, ~~especially~~dose-related ~~those with depression, seizure disorders, or liver problems, should discuss treatment with Rebif® with their doctors~~reduction.

~~About~~(1) Trial ~~Serono~~of ~~Neurology~~Atacicept in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (poster L19/499), ACR/ARHP Poster Session B Late-Breaking Posters, November 13, 2006, American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting

In addition to Rebif®, Serono also offers a second therapy within its US portfolio of multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies: Novantrone® (mitoxantrone for injection concentrate) for worsening forms of MS. Full prescribing information for these products can be obtained by contacting Serono or visiting the Serono website. Additional therapeutic options are currently under development at Serono, including oral cladribine, currently in Phase III studies and potentially the first oral therapy for treatment of MS, as well as several products in early stage development including: osteopontin, an MMP-12 inhibitor, a JNK inhibitor and interferon beta:Fc. Serono also is taking a leading role in developing an understanding of the role of genetics in MS, with a whole genome scan currently underway. To-date, 80 genes associated with MS have been identified, based on a 40% scan. The project is due to be completed in 2006 and will improve understanding of the causes of MS and the appropriate therapeutic targets for the disease.1

~~About~~Tolerability: ~~multiple sclerosis~~

~~Multiple~~· No ~~sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory~~serious ~~condition~~adverse ofevents ~~the~~were ~~nervous~~reported ~~system and is the most common, non-traumatic, neurological disease~~ in ~~young~~patients ~~adults.~~treated ~~MS may affect approximately two million people worldwide. While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of MS include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems~~ with ~~strength~~ ~~and coordination~~atacicept. ~~The relapsing forms of MS are the most common.~~

~~(1)~~· There ~~The~~was ~~exact~~no evidence ~~relationship~~of ~~between~~increased ~~MRI findings~~infection ~~and~~risk ~~the~~among ~~clinical~~treated ~~status~~subjects, ofand ~~patients~~no isbinding antibodies ~~unknown~~to atacicept were detected.

2Positive trend towards efficacy:

~~Background~~· Although the ~~material~~study was not designed to evaluate efficacy, compared to placebo an overall positive trend in SELENA-SLEDAI scores(2) and complement levels was seen in patients treated with multiple doses of atacicept.

~~For~~A ~~free~~separate ~~B-roll,~~poster(3) ~~video~~presented ~~and~~at ~~other~~ACR ~~content~~reviewed findings ~~for~~from ~~Serono and~~a ~~its~~Phase ~~products,~~1b ~~please~~study ~~visit~~with ~~the~~atacicept ~~Serono~~in ~~Media~~patients ~~Center~~with ~~www.thenewsmarket.com/Serono.~~rheumatoid ~~You~~arthritis, ~~can~~as ~~download~~announced ~~print-quality~~earlier ~~images~~this ~~and~~year. ~~receive~~The ~~broadcast-standard~~companies ~~video~~are ~~digitally~~planning to orinitiate bythe ~~tape~~Phase ~~from~~2 ~~this~~study ~~site.~~with ~~Registration~~atacicept ~~and~~in ~~video~~RA ispatients ~~free~~before to the ~~media~~end of 2006.

~~###~~About the Study

~~Forward~~The double blind, placebo-~~looking~~controlled, ~~statements~~dose escalating, multi-site Phase 1b trial enrolled forty-nine patients with mild-to-moderate SLE. Six cohorts, consisting of eight patients each, were treated with either atacicept or placebo. Cohorts 1 through 4 received a single subcutaneous dose of 0.3, 1, 3, or 9 mg/kg of atacicept respectively. Cohorts 5 and 6 received four weekly doses of 1 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg respectively. Patients were followed for either six weeks (cohorts 1-4) or nine weeks (cohorts 5-6). All patients were monitored during and for several weeks after dosing for safety purposes.

~~Some of~~The ~~the~~primary ~~statements~~outcome inmeasure ~~this~~was ~~press~~the ~~release~~systemic ~~are forward looking. Such statements are inherently subject to known~~ and ~~unknown risks, uncertainties and other~~local ~~factors~~tolerability ~~that may cause actual results, performance or achievements~~ of ~~Serono S.A.~~atacicept ~~and~~administered ~~affiliates to be materially different from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements~~subcutaneously. ~~Forward-looking~~The ~~statements~~secondary ~~are~~measures ~~based~~included onpharmacokinetics ~~Serono’s current expectations~~ and ~~assumptions~~pharmacodynamics, which may be affected by a number of factors, including those discussed in this press release and more fully described in Serono’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2006. These factors include any failure or delay in Serono’s ability to develop new products, any failure to receive anticipated regulatory approvals, any problems in commercializing current products as awell result of competition or other factors, our ability to obtain reimbursement coverage for our products, the outcome of any government investigations and litigation. Serono is providing this information as ofmeasures ~~the date~~ of ~~this press release, and has no~~SLE ~~responsibility~~disease ~~to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release~~activity.

~~###~~Atacicept was well tolerated by patients with SLE at all doses investigated. There was a clear demonstration of biologic activity consistent with the mechanism of action of atacicept and positive trends towards efficacy were observed.

Overall, the results demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile. The predominant adverse event noted was a mild to moderate local injection site reaction (redness of skin or pain at the injection site), which was observed in 50% of atacicept subjects and less frequently in the placebo and 0.3 mg/kg groups. Few notable differences were observed between atacicept and placebo in the nature, severity or frequency of adverse events.

About Atacicept

ZymoGenetics and Serono are developing atacicept (formerly referred to as TACI-Ig) for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and B-cell malignancies. Atacicept contains the soluble TACI receptor that binds to the cytokines BLyS and APRIL. These cytokines, in turn, are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family that promote B-cell survival and autoantibody production associated with certain autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Current data indicates that levels of BLyS and APRIL are elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, SLE and B-cell malignancies. Atacicept has been shown to affect several stages of B-cell development and may inhibit the survival of cells responsible for making antibodies.

(2) SELENA-SLEDAI: SLE Disease Activity Index; The original SLEDAI is a weighted, cumulative index of lupus disease activity, and the SELENA SLEDAI represents a further refinement.

(3) A Phase Ib Study to Investigate Atacicept (TACI-Ig) In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis (poster L36/516). ACR/ARHP Poster Session B Late-Breaking Posters, November 13, 2006, American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting

Posters

The abstracts and posters are available at www.zymogenetics.com in the ‘What’s New’ section on the home page.

Background material

For free B-roll, video and other content for Serono and its products, please visit the Serono Media Center www.thenewsmarket.com/Serono. You can download print-quality images and receive broadcast-standard video digitally or by tape from this site. Registration and video is free to the media.

###

Forward-looking Statements

For ZymoGenetics

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on the current intent and expectations of the management of ZymoGenetics. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. ZymoGenetics’ actual results and the timing and outcome of events may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements because of risks associated with our unproven discovery strategy, preclinical and clinical development, regulatory oversight, intellectual property claims and litigation and other risks detailed in the company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Except as required by law, ZymoGenetics undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking or other statements in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For Serono

Some of the statements in this press release are forward looking. Such statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Serono S.A. and affiliates to be materially different from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on Serono’s current expectations and assumptions, which may be affected by a number of factors, including those discussed in this press release and more fully described in Serono’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2006. These factors include any failure or delay in Serono’s ability to develop new products, any failure to receive anticipated regulatory approvals, any problems in commercializing current products as a result of competition or other factors, our ability to obtain reimbursement coverage for our products, the outcome of government investigations and litigation and government regulations limiting our ability to sell our products. Serono has no responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

###

About ZymoGenetics

ZymoGenetics creates novel protein drugs with the potential to significantly help patients fight their diseases. The Company is developing a diverse pipeline of potential proprietary product candidates that are moving into and through clinical development. These candidates span a wide array of clinical opportunities that include bleeding, autoimmune diseases and cancer. ZymoGenetics intends to commercialize these product candidates through internal development, collaborations with partners, and out-licensing of patents from its extensive patent portfolio. For further information, visit www.zymogenetics.com.

About Serono

Serono is a global biotechnology leader. The Company has eight biotechnology products, Rebif®, Gonal-f®, Luveris®, Ovidrel®/Ovitrelle®, Serostim®, Saizen®, Zorbtive™ and Raptiva®. In addition to being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth and has recently entered the psoriasis area. The Company’s research programs are focused on growing these businesses and on establishing new therapeutic areas, including oncology and autoimmune diseases.

In 2005, Serono, whose products are sold in over 90 countries, achieved worldwide revenues of US$2,586.4 million. Reported net loss in 2005 was US$106.1 million, reflecting a charge of US$725 million taken relating to the settlement of the US Attorney’s Office investigation of Serostim. Excluding this charge as well as other non-recurring items, adjusted net income grew 28.4% to US$565.3 million in 2005. Bearer shares of Serono S.A., the holding company, are traded on the virt-x (SEO) and its American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (SRA).

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Media Relations:		Corporate Investor Relations:
Tel: +41 22 739 36 00		Tel: +41 22 739 36 01
Fax: +41 22 739 30 85		Fax: +41 22 739 30 22
http://www.serono.com		Reuters: SEO.VX / SRA.N
		Bloomberg: SEO VX / SRA US

Media Relations, USA:		Investor Relations, USA:
Tel: +1 781 681 2340		Tel: +1 781 681 2552
Fax: +1 781 681 2935		Fax: +1 781 681 2912
http://www.seronousa.com

3ZymoGenetics

Investor Relations
John Calhoun, MD, MBA
Director, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
(206) 442-6744

Media Relations
Susan W. Specht, MBA
Associate Director, Corporate
Communications
(206) 442-6592

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

			SERONO S.A.,
		SERONO S.A., a Swiss corporation (Registrant)
			a Swiss corporation
Date November 13, 2006		By: /s/ Stuart Grant
			(Registrant)
		Name: Stuart Grant
Date	September 28, 2006		By: /s/ Stuart Grant
		Title: Chief Financial Officer
			Name: Stuart Grant
			Title: Chief Financial Officer

Filing Compare · MERCK SERONO S.A.