Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
Thank you. (Operator Instructions). Your first question comes from David Risinger of Merrill Lynch.
David Risinger - Merrill Lynch
Thanks very much. I have three questions. First, could you go into some more detail about your GARDASIL growth assumptions for 2008, and the variables we should think about that could drive GARDASIL stronger or weaker than expected? Second, could you discuss your external R&D deal assumptions for '08 versus '07? Obviously, you took some expenses in your R&D line in '07, and I was just hoping that you could help us think about your assumptions for '08 versus '07? And then third, if you could comment on ZOSTAVAX and your outlook for ZOSTAVAX, whether that revenue will grow in 2008, or whether it's not much of a growth opportunity yet, until you are able to build out the manufacturing or fix the manufacturing and ramp it up more longer term? Thank you.
Richard Clark
Starting with ZOSTAVAX, certainly it's important for us to make sure that, as we said, we started up manufacturing, and that we were able to resolve the potency issues and we'll be able to ramp it up. And although ZOSTAVAX will continue to grow in 2008, particularly in the US, we really want to make sure that we have the production issues behind us before we continue launching outside of US, so that will continue to grow past 2008.
We don't get specific assumptions around external R&D. It is a critical part of our strategy, and I think we've been able to convince you that we're very aggressive in some of the relationships we built. We've even not only helped from the technology standpoint, but a Phase III, as well. So we do have activities built into the plan for our continuing external R&D assumptions. That being said, if the right acquisition or licensing bill comes along, and it's a benefit from our shareholder standpoint, it's attune or not in our plan, then I think we have to be aware with everything so we can accomplish it.
Peter Kellogg
So, I'd like to take question on GARDASIL liquidated. Clearly, GARDASIL has gone through an excellent launch this year and the team has done a great job of driving penetration in the primary 9 to 18 year-old female group, and obviously, they have done quite well in the first year of launch, and they'll continue to drive that as our label expands, and as we kind of set our sights to other groups, GARDASIL will see some expansion in those other areas as well.
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