Document:

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                                                                Exhibit 10.17(a)

          Dated                   27th November                  2000
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                             CEPHALON (UK) LIMITED

                                    - AND -

                      NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS UK LIMITED

                   ----------------------------------------

                          MANAGED SERVICES AGREEMENT
                   ----------------------------------------

                              CMS Cameron McKenna
                                  Mitre House
                             160 Aldersgate Street
                                London EC1A 4DD

                             T +44(0)20 7367 3000
                             F +44(0)20 7367 2000
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                               Table of Contents

1.   Definitions and Interpretation..................................1
2.   Cephalon's Responsibilities and Obligations.....................7
3.   Novartis' Responsibilities And Obligations......................8
4.   Audit...........................................................9
5.   Payment........................................................10
6.   Data Protection................................................12
7.   Rights.........................................................12
8.   Duration and Termination.......................................13
9.   Termination....................................................13
10.  Consequences of Termination....................................14
11.  Exclusion Of Implied Warranties................................14
12.  Indemnity......................................................14
13.  Force Majeure..................................................15
14.  Sub-contracting................................................17
15.  Notices........................................................17
16.  Relationship of Parties........................................18
17.  Waiver.........................................................19
18.  Severability...................................................20
19.  Third Party Rights.............................................20
20.  Governing Law..................................................20
21.  Transmission of Rights.........................................20
22.  Variations.....................................................20
23.  Counterparts...................................................21

Schedule 1  Services................................................23

Schedule 2  Charges.................................................25

Schedule 3  The Products............................................26
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THIS AGREEMENT is made the 27th day of November 2000

BETWEEN:

(1)   CEPHALON (UK) LIMITED (Registered no 3207745) a company incorporated in
      England and Wales whose registered office is at 11/13 Frederick Sangers
      Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 5YD ("Cephalon"); and

(2)   NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS UK LIMITED ( Registered No 119006), a company
      incorporated in England and Wales whose registered office is at Frimley
      Business Park, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7SR ("Novartis").

WHEREAS:

      Novartis has requested that Cephalon provide to Novartis certain marketing
      and administrative services (as hereinafter defined more fully) to
      Novartis and Cephalon has agreed to do so on the terms and conditions set
      out below.

IT IS AGREED as follows:

1.    Definitions and Interpretation

      In this Agreement:

      "Adverse Reaction" means a response to a substance that is noxious and
      unintended and which occurs at doses normally used in man for prophylaxis,
      diagnosis and therapy;

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      "Affiliate" means any company, partnership or other entity which directly
      or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with,
      the party in question including as a Subsidiary or Holding Company.

      "Agreement" means this agreement and any and all schedules, appendices and
      other addenda to it as may be varied from time to time in accordance with
      the provisions of this agreement.

      "Charges" means the charges which are payable by Novartis for the Services
      in accordance with the guidelines set out in Schedule 2 and as may be
      amended by agreement between the Parties from time to time.

      "Cephalon Product" means the pharmaceutical product shown in Part I of
      Schedule 3.

      "Commencement Date" means 1 January 2001.

      "Control" means the ownership (direct or indirect) of more than 50% of the
      issued share capital or the legal power to direct or cause the direction
      of the general management and policies of the party in question and
      "Controlled" and "Controller" shall be construed accordingly.

      "Force Majeure" means in relation to any Party any event or circumstance
      which is beyond the reasonable control of that Party which event the Party
      could not reasonably be expected to have taken into account at the date of
      this Agreement including acts of God, war, riot, civil commotion, any
      overriding emergency, fire, flood, storm and industrial dispute (other
      than industrial dispute affecting only the

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      employees of the Party suffering the event of force majeure or any of its
      agents or subcontractors).

      "Insolvency Event" in relation to any Party, means any one of the
      following:

(a)   a notice shall have been issued to convene a meeting for the purpose of
      passing a resolution to wind up that Party or such a resolution shall have
      been passed other than a resolution for the solvent reconstruction or
      reorganisation of that Party; or

(b)   a resolution (other than a resolution for the solvent reconstruction or
      reorganisation of a Party) shall have been passed by that Party's
      directors to seek a winding up or administration order or a petition for a
      winding up or administration order shall have been presented against that
      Party or such an order shall have been made; or

(c)   a receiver, administrative receiver, receiver and manager, interim
      receiver, custodian, sequestrator or similar officer is appointed in
      respect of that Party or over a substantial part of its assets or any
      third party takes steps to appoint such an officer in respect of that
      Party or an encumbrancer takes steps to enforce or enforces its security;
      or

(d)   a proposal for a voluntary arrangement shall have been made in relation to
      that Party under Part I Insolvency Act 1986; or

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(e)   a step or event shall have been taken or arisen outside the Territory
      which is similar or analogous to any of the steps or events listed at (a)
      to (d) above; or

(f)   that Party suspends or threatens to suspend making payments to all or some
      of that Party's creditors or the Party submits to any type of voluntary
      arrangement; or

(g)   where that Party is resident in the Territory it is deemed to be unable to
      pay its debts within the meaning of Section 123 Insolvency Act 1986;

      "Novartis Products" means the pharmaceutical products listed in Part II of
      Schedule 3.

      "Party" means either Cephalon or Novartis and "Parties" means either of
      them.

      "Products" means the pharmaceutical products listed in Schedule 3 and such
      other products as the Parties may agree from time to time.

      "Quarter" means each consecutive period of three months and "Quarterly"
      shall be construed accordingly.

      "Rights" means all or any copyright, design right, trade marks, trade
      names, patents, know-how, trade secrets and other intellectual property or
      other proprietary rights in respect of or relating to the Products which
      may at any time subsist throughout all or any part of the world (whether
      registered or otherwise);

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      "Services" means those services required to be performed by Cephalon as
      set out or referred to in Schedule 1.

      "Staff" means Cephalon's employees, consultants or subcontractors engaged
      in the provision of the Services.

      "Subsidiary or Holding Company" have the meaning ascribed to those
      expressions by Section 736 of the Companies Act 1985 (as amended).

      "Term" means the period of 10 (ten) years from the Commencement Date.

      "Territory" means the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
      Ireland, and in the case of the Cephalon Product only, the Republic of
      Ireland.

      "Working Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, bank or other
      public holiday in the United Kingdom, USA or Switzerland.

      "Year" means a period of 12 consecutive months, with the first such period
      commencing on the Commencement Date.

1.2   In this Agreement:-

      1.2.1 unless the context otherwise requires all references to a particular
            Clause or Schedule shall be a reference to that Clause or Schedule
            in or to this Agreement as it may be amended from time to time
            pursuant to this Agreement;

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      1.2.2 the table of contents and headings are inserted for convenience only
            and shall not affect the interpretation of any provision of this
            Agreement;

      1.2.3 unless the contrary intention appears words importing the masculine
            gender shall include the feminine and vice versa and words in the
            singular include the plural and vice versa;

      1.2.4 unless the contrary intention appears words denoting persons shall
            include any individual, partnership, company, corporation, joint
            venture, trust, association, organisation or other entity, in each
            case whether or not having separate legal personality;

      1.2.5 reference to any statute or regulation includes any modification or
            re-enactment of that statute or regulation;

      1.2.6 reference to the words "include" or "including" are to be construed
            without limitation to the generality of the preceding words; and

      1.2.7 if there is any conflict or inconsistency between the terms and
            conditions of Parts A-D herein and the Schedules, such conflict or
            inconsistency shall be resolved in accordance with the following
            order of priority:

(a)   the terms and conditions of Parts A-D herein;

(b)   Schedule 1;

(c)   Schedule 2;

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2.    Cephalon's Responsibilities and Obligations

2.1   Cephalon shall provide the Services to Novartis from the Commencement Date
      subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
      Agreement.

2.2   Cephalon shall provide the Services as the same may be varied from time to
      time by agreement between the Parties and with Staff as required. Unless
      otherwise agreed in writing with Novartis, Cephalon shall only be obliged
      to provide the Services in relation to the Products. Cephalon shall
      perform the Services with all due care, diligence and attention and in
      accordance with good industry practice prevailing from time to time.

2.3   Cephalon shall maintain sufficient resources (either its own employees or
      through permitted sub-contractors) to provide the Services in respect of
      the Products throughout the Territory and shall perform in a timely and
      satisfactory manner Cephalon's obligations under this Agreement

2.4   Cephalon shall keep records and books of account relating to the provision
      of the Services in accordance with generally accepted UK accounting
      principles and Novartis shall be entitled to audit the same in accordance
      with Clause 4.

2.5   Cephalon shall procure that in providing the Services the Staff will
      comply with all relevant laws regulations and guidelines applicable to the
      promotion and marketing of the Products and shall not do or omit to do
      anything where such act or omission might prejudice Novartis' Rights or
      reputation in the Territory.

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2.6   Cephalon shall keep Novartis informed in writing in respect of any
      complaint, claim, demand or dispute concerning the Novartis Products.

2.7   Cephalon shall advise Novartis within 48 hours of any reported Adverse
      Reaction occurring in the Territory and reported to Novartis in respect of
      the Novartis Products. Novartis shall have sole responsibility for
      reporting Adverse Reactions to the Medicines Control Agency and will
      conduct all communication relating to safety issues in relation to the
      Novartis Products and Cephalon shall have sole responsibility for
      reporting Adverse Reactions to the Medicines Control Agency and will
      conduct all communication relating to safety issues in relation to the
      Cephalon Product.

3.    Novartis' Responsibilities And Obligations

3.1   Novartis shall perform all obligations it is required to perform as set
      out or referred to in Schedule 1. If Novartis fails to perform any such
      obligations, Cephalon shall not be liable for any failure to perform its
      obligations under this Agreement and Novartis shall pay to Cephalon any
      costs to Cephalon which result from such failure by Novartis to perform
      its obligations under this Agreement.

3.2   Novartis represents and warrants that it has obtained and will maintain at
      its own cost and expense all necessary permission consents and licences in
      respect of the Novartis Products necessary for the provision of the
      Services.

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3.3   Novartis shall have responsibility for providing all training in relation
      to the Novartis Products of suitable quality and detail as shall be
      required to enable the Staff to provide the Services in relation to the
      Novartis Products.

3.4   Novartis shall ensure that appropriate personnel from Novartis are
      available to liaise and co-operate with the staff and shall co-operate
      with Cephalon to ensure Cephalon's compliance with UK and European
      legislation.

4.    Audit

4.1   Cephalon shall keep true and accurate records and books of account
      containing all data necessary for the calculation of the amounts charged
      by it to Novartis pursuant to this Agreement. Those records and books of
      account shall be kept for 7 years following the end of the calendar year
      to which they relate. Upon Novartis' written request a firm of accountants
      appointed by agreement between the Parties or, failing such agreement
      within 10 Business Days of the initiation of discussions between them on
      this point and at the request of either Party by the President for the
      time being of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales
      in London and

      4.1.1 such firm of accountants shall be given access to and shall be
            permitted to examine and copy such books and records upon 20
            Business Days notice having been given by Novartis and at all
            reasonable times on Business Days for the purpose of certifying to
            Novartis that the Charges calculated by Cephalon during any year was
            reasonably calculated, true and accurate

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            or, if this is not their opinion certify the Charges figures for
            such period which in their judgment are true and correct.

      4.1.2 prior to any such examination taking place, such firm of accountants
            shall undertake to Cephalon in a deed that they shall keep all
            information and data contained in such books and records, strictly
            confidential and shall not disclose such information or copies of
            such books and records to any third person including Novartis, but
            shall only use the same for the purpose of the calculations which
            they need to perform in order to issue the certificate to Novartis
            which this Clause 4 envisages.

      4.1.3 any such access examination and certification shall occur no more
            than once per year and will not go back over records more than 2
            years old unless a discrepancy is found.

      4.1.4 Cephalon shall make available personnel to answer queries on all
            books and records required for the purpose of that certification.

      4.1.5 the cost of the accountant shall be the responsibility of Cephalon
            if the certification shows Cephalon to have overestimated the monies
            payable by Novartis by more than 5% and the responsibility of
            Novartis otherwise.

4.2   Within 10 Business Days following any such certification any monies which
      such certification shows as being due and owing by one Party to the other
      (whether because of an underpayment or overpayment) shall be paid by that
      Party.

5.    Payment

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5.1   Novartis shall pay the Charges to Cephalon for the Services provided
      hereunder monthly following receipt of invoice from Cephalon.

5.2   Payment for each invoice made hereunder shall be made by telegraphic
      transfer to such bank account as Cephalon shall notify to Novartis from
      time to time.

5.3   The currency for all payments under Clause 5.1 shall be in (pound)
      sterling.

5.4   If Novartis fails to pay the Charges:

      5.4.1 within 30 days after the date of the invoice therefor Cephalon shall
            be entitled (without prejudice to any other right or remedy it may
            have) to charge Novartis interest on the Charges (which shall accrue
            from day to day after as well as before judgement) at the rate of 2%
            per annum above National Westminster plc's base rate from time to
            time in force from the date the payment became due until actual
            payment is made, compounded monthly; and

      5.4.2 within 30 days after the date of the invoice therefor Cephalon shall
            be entitled (without prejudice to any other right or remedy it may
            have) to cancel or suspend any further services to be provided to
            Novartis.

5.5   All payments to be made by Novartis to Cephalon hereunder are exclusive of
      value added tax which shall be payable if applicable to do so in addition
      at the rate and in the manner for the time being prescribed by law.

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6.    Data Protection

6.1   Each Party warrants to the other that all personal data held by it to be
      processed by the other under this Agreement has been or will be obtained
      and processed (in so far as such data has been or will be so processed) in
      accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 (the "Act") and in a manner
      which permits the other to perform its obligations under this Agreement in
      compliance with the Act.

6.2   Each party warrants to the other that:

6.2.1 it is, and at all times during the term of this Agreement will be,
      adequately and appropriately registered under the Act in order to comply
      with its obligations under this Agreement; and

6.2.2 it will at all times during the term of this Agreement comply with the Act
      in performing its obligations under this Agreement.

7.    Rights

7.1   Any Rights created by the Staff in the course of providing the Services to
      Novartis under this Agreement shall remain the property of Cephalon save
      that to the extent the same relate to Novartis Products they shall become
      the property of Novartis and Cephalon shall take all steps reasonably
      necessary to vest the same in Novartis.

7.2   Any Rights created by employees of Novartis in the course of performing
      the obligations of Novartis hereunder shall remain the property of
      Novartis save that to the extent the same relate to Cephalon Products they
      shall become the property of

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      Cephalon and Novartis and shall take all steps reasonably necessary to
      vest the same in Cephalon.

8.    Duration and Termination

8.1   This Agreement shall commence on the Commencement Date and shall continue
      for the Term unless terminated in accordance with Clause 9.

9.    Termination

9.1   Either party may terminate this Agreement on 30 (thirty) days' written
      notice to the other if Control of the other or any of that Party's
      Controllers shall pass from the present shareholders or owners or
      Controllers to other persons,

9.2   Without prejudice to any right or remedy that either Party may have
      against the other for breach or non-performance of this Agreement, either
      Party shall have the right to terminate the Agreement immediately:

      9.2.1 On the other party committing a breach of any of the provisions of
            any of the Agreement providing that (where the breach is capable of
            rectification) the Party in breach has been advised in writing of
            the breach and has not rectified in within 30 (thirty) days of
            receipt of such advice, or

      9.2.2 If an Insolvency Event occurs in relation to the other Party.

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9.3   All provisions which expressly or impliedly survive the termination of
      this Agreement shall remain in force notwithstanding the expiry or
      termination of this Agreement.

10.   Consequences of Termination

10.1  Upon termination of this Agreement, Cephalon shall immediately cease to
      provide the Services.

10.2  In the event of termination of this Agreement (other than following a
      breach of contract by Cephalon), Novartis shall pay to Cephalon all costs
      of Cephalon associated with such termination including, without
      limitation, all transition costs Cephalon incurs in redeploying Staff.

11.   Exclusion Of Implied Warranties

All   warranties, conditions and representations in relation to the Services to
      be provided by Cephalon except as expressly provided herein and any other
      obligation of Cephalon under this Agreement, whether express or implied by
      statute, custom, law or usage, are expressly excluded from this Agreement.

12.   Indemnity

12.1  If any claim against either Party, its Affiliates, recognised distributors
      or agents (the "Indemnified Party") is brought by reason of the fact that
      any Product belonging to the other Party (Cephalon Products where Novartis
      is the Indemnified Party and Novartis Products where Cephalon. is the
      Indemnified Party) has caused illness,

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      death or bodily injury, then unless such claim is a result solely of the
      gross negligence or misconduct of the Indemnified Party, Novartis or
      Cephalon (as the case may be) shall indemnify the other and its Affiliates
      for any and all liabilities, claims, damages and costs incurred or
      suffered by the other Party or its Affiliates or recognised distributors,
      and for any and all other liabilities, claims, damages and costs suffered
      by such Party or its Affiliates, as a result of any associated Product
      recall, final packaging and similar costs associated with such Product.
      Such indemnity will include the reimbursement of the legal expenses
      reasonably incurred in contesting or defending such claim.

12.2  Each Party shall give the other Party prompt written notice of any claim
      or threat of claim it receives with respect to any matter for which it or
      its Affiliates may be entitled to indemnification, and the indemnifying
      Party shall thereafter defend or settle any such claim at its sole
      expense, and with counsel selected by the indemnifying Party and
      reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party. In the defence or
      settlement of any such claim, the Indemnified Party shall cooperate with
      and assist the indemnifying Party to the extent reasonably possible, but
      the indemnifying Party shall bear and pay any and all expenses incurred by
      the Indemnified Party in providing such cooperation and assistance, either
      directly or upon request of the Indemnified Party who has incurred such
      expense. Failure to give notice shall not constitute a defence, in whole
      or in part, to any claim by the Indemnified Party hereunder except to the
      extent the rights of the indemnifying Party are materially prejudiced by
      such failure to give notice.

13.   Force Majeure

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13.1  If a Party (the "Non-Performing Party") is unable to carry out any of its
      obligations under this Agreement due to Force Majeure this Agreement shall
      remain in effect but:-

      13.1.1 the Non-Performing Party's relevant obligations under this
             Agreement; and

      13.1.2 the relevant obligations of the other Party ("the Innocent Party")
             under this Agreement,

      shall be suspended for a period equal to the circumstance of Force Majeure
      or 3 months whichever is the shorter provided that:-

            (a)   the suspension of performance is of no greater scope than is
                  required by the Force Majeure;

            (b)   the Non-Performing Party gives the Innocent Party prompt
                  notice describing the circumstance of Force Majeure, including
                  the nature of the occurrence and its expected duration, and
                  continues to furnish regular reports during the period of
                  Force Majeure;

            (c)   the Non-Performing Party uses all reasonable efforts to remedy
                  its inability to perform and to mitigate the effects of the
                  circumstance of Force Majeure; and

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            (d)   a soon as practicable after the event which constitutes Force
                  Majeure the Parties discuss how best to continue their
                  operations as far as possible in accordance with this
                  Agreement.

14.   Sub-contracting

14.1  Cephalon may subcontract the performance of some or all of its obligations
      hereunder to third parties provided always that Cephalon shall remain
      responsible for ensuring such obligations are complied with in accordance
      with the terms of this Agreement

14.2  If Novartis shall be dissatisfied with the performance of services by
      Cephalon's sub-contractors, the parties shall in good faith consider
      measures to address the causes of such dissatisfaction. If notwithstanding
      such measures (or if no measures are appropriate), Cephalon will terminate
      the services of such subcontractor forthwith upon being required to do so
      by Novartis and shall appoint a replacement sub-contractor nominated by
      Novartis.

15.   Notices

15.1  Any notice to be given in connection with this Agreement shall be in
      writing and shall be deemed duly served if delivered personally or sent by
      first class or recorded delivery post or by facsimile to the Company
      Secretary at the address of the Party concerned which is set out in this
      Agreement or as may be notified to the other Party in accordance with the
      provisions of this Clause. Any notices which are sent

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      by e-mail shall not be valid unless and until confirmed by personal
      delivery, first class or recorded delivery post or by facsimile.

15.2  Any such notice shall be deemed to be served:

      15.2.1 if delivered personally, on the day on which it is delivered;

      15.2.2 if sent by post, 5 Working Days after the time of posting;

      15.2.3 if sent by facsimile, on acknowledgement by the recipient's
            facsimile receiving equipment on a Working Day if the
            acknowledgement occurs before 1700 hours local time of the recipient
            and in any other case on the following Business Day.

16.   Relationship of Parties

16.1  This Agreement shall not operate so as to create any of the following
      relationships between the Parties:

      16.1.1 partnership;

      16.1.2 agency;

      16.1.3 joint venture; or

      16.1.4 employer/employee.

16.2  This Agreement shall not permit or authorise either Party to:

      16.2.1 incur any expenses on behalf of the other Party;

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      16.2.2 enter into any commitment or make any representation or warranty on
             behalf of the other Party;

      16.2.3 pledge the credit of, or otherwise bind or oblige the other Party;
             or

      16.2.4 commit the other Party in any way whatsoever

      without in each case obtaining the other Party's prior written consent.

17.   Waiver

17.1  In no event shall any delay, failure or omission on the part of any Party
      in enforcing exercising or pursuing any right, power, privilege, claim or
      remedy, which is conferred by this Agreement, or arises under this
      Agreement, or arises from any breach by the other Party to this Agreement
      of any of its obligations tinder this Agreement, be deemed to be or be
      construed as:

      17.1.1 a waiver thereof, or of any other such right power privilege claim
             or remedy, in respect of the particular circumstances in question;
             or

      17.1.2 operate so as to bar the enforcement or exercise thereof, or of any
             other such right, power, privilege, claim or remedy, in any other
             instance at any time or times afterwards.

18.   Severability

      Any provision of this Agreement which is held invalid or unenforceable in
      any jurisdiction shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
      unenforceability

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      without invalidating or rendering unenforceable the remaining provisions
      hereof, and any such invalidity or unenforceability in any jurisdiction
      shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provisions in any other
      jurisdiction

19.   Third Party Rights

      Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer on any person any right to
      enforce any term of this Agreement which that person would not have had
      but for the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

20.   Governing Law

      This Agreement is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with
      the laws of England and the Parties hereby submit to the non-exclusive
      jurisdiction of the English Courts .

21.   Transmission of Rights

      Neither Party shall assign the benefit and/or the burden of this Agreement
      to any third party without the prior written consent of the other.

22.   Variations

      Except as provided herein, this Agreement may not be amended, varied or
      modified except in writing signed by a duly authorised officer or
      representative of each of the Parties.

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23.   Counterparts

      This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the
      Parties on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be
      an original of this Agreement, and all of which shall together constitute
      one and the same instrument. Complete sets of counterparts shall be lodged
      with each Party.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement the day and year
first above written.

SIGNED by                                  )
for and on behalf of                       ) J. Kevin Buchi
CEPHALON (UK) LIMITED                      )
in the presence of:                        )
Mary Lou Geis

SIGNED by                                  )
for and on behalf of                       ) Adrain Adams
NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS                   )
UK LIMITED                                 )
in the presence of:                        )

Sally Shorthose

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                                  Schedule 1

                                   Services

Obligations of CEPHALON

1.    Provision and maintenance of Staff, including equipment and relevant
      training.
2.    Provision of marketing and other promotion activities.
3.    Clinical and Technical Development Services - including new formulation
      and new agreed indication development (these being Obstructive Sleep
      Apnoea, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and fatigue associated
      with MS).
4.    Regulatory services - maintaining regulatory compliance of non-Novartis
      Products (not including new indication or new formulation license
      applications or renewals).
5.    Medical Information services for ALL products (with reference to Novartis
      Med Info resources when necessary) and Pharmacovigilance services for all
      non-Novartis Products.
6.    Provision of facilities (premises and associated costs) reasonably
      necessary to perform the Services.
7.    Provision of administrative support - including administration of all
      activities, accounting services, IT support.
8.    Conduct necessary Phase IV studies, up to budgeted levels of expenditure.
9.    Such other things as may be agreed from time to time.

Obligations of NOVARTIS in respect of Novartis Products in the Territory

1.    Provision of adequate training to sales force in respect of the Novartis
      Products.
2.    Provision of expertise and advice regarding marketing, promotion and
      development.
3.    Provisions of access to information sources and databases.
4.    Access to Med Info DB's etc for Medical Information and Pharmacovigilance
      purposes.
5.    Access to all available promotion materials in the Territory.

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6.    Regulatory advice.
7.    Maintain Regulatory Compliance of all Novartis Products (not including new
      indication or new formulation licence applications or renewals).
8.    Such other things as may be agreed from time to time.

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                                  Schedule 2
                                    Charges

All charges incurred in reorganising the operations of Cephalon to accommodate
the provisions of this agreement, whether incurred before, during or after the
term of the agreement will be chargeable

The charges levied by Cephalon will be based on:
i) those costs directly attributable to the services
provided; and
ii) in the case of fixed and non-direct costs, a proportion based |_| on either
direct costs / total costs by department, or some other |_| suitable measure
(i.e. floor space, activity levels)

                                      -25-
<PAGE>

                                  Schedule 3

                                 The Products

Part 1 - Cephalon Product

Brand Name/Active Ingredient                           Pack Size (SKU)

PROVIGIL/modafanil                                     100mg tabs - 30

Part II - Novartis Products

Brand Name/Active Ingredient                           Pack Size (SKU)

ANAFRANIL - clomipramine                               10mg caps - 84
hydrochloride
                                                       25mg caps - 84

                                                       50mg caps - 56

ANAFRANIL SR                                           75mg tab - 28

ANAFRANIL SYRUP                                        25mg/5ml - 150ml

ANAFRANIL INJECTION                                    25mg/25ml amp - 10

LIORESAL - baclofen                                    10mg tab - 84

LIORESAL LIQUID                                        5mg/5ml - 300ml
(excluding sales for use in intrathecal pumps)

RITALIN - methylphenidate                              10mg tab - 30

TEGRETOL - carbamazepine                               100mg tab - 84

                                                       200mg tab - 84

                                400mg tab - 56

TEGRETOL CHEWTAB                100mg - 56

                                200mg - 56

                                      -26-
<PAGE>

TEGRETOL RETARD                 200mg - 56

                                400 mg - 56

TEGRETOL LIQUID                 100mg/5ml - 300ml

TEGRETOL SUPPS                  125mg - 5

                                250mg - 5

The Products shall include essentially similar products.

                                      -27-<PAGE>

                                                                Exhibit 10.17(b)
     Dated                        27th November                        2000
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  CEPHALON INC
                                     - and -
                                   NOVARTIS AG

                  ---------------------------------------------
                                LICENCE AGREEMENT
                 ----------------------------------------------

                               CMS Cameron McKenna
                                   Mitre House
                              160 Aldersgate Street
                                 London EC1A 4DD

                              T +44(0)20 7367 3000
                              F +44(0)20 7367 2000

                             Doc Ref: (51770166.06)

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

                                Table of Contents

1.   Definitions and Interpretation....................................1
2.   The Licence/Term..................................................3
3.   Trademarks........................................................4
4.   Product Licences..................................................5
5.   Warranties........................................................5
6.   Payments..........................................................6
7.   Force Majeure.....................................................6
8.   Termination.......................................................7
9.   Confidential Information..........................................7
10.  Notices...........................................................8
11.  Relationship of Parties...........................................8
12.  Waiver............................................................9
13.  Severability......................................................9
14.  Governing Law....................................................10
15.  Transmission of Rights...........................................10
16.  Counterparts.....................................................10
17.  Third Party Rights...............................................10
18.  Variations.......................................................10

SCHEDULE 1 Products...................................................12

SCHEDULE 2 Trade Marks................................................13

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

THIS LICENCE is made on 27th November 2000

BETWEEN

(1)   NOVARTIS AG a company incorporated in Basel Switzerland whose principal
      office is at Lichstrasse 35 CH-45056 Basel Switzerland ("Novartis"); and

(2)   CEPHALON, INC. a company incorporated in Delaware, USA whose principal
      office is at 145, Brandywine Parkway, West Chester, Pennsylvania,
      19380-4245, USA ("Cephalon").

WHEREAS

(A)   The parties hereto are both engaged in the manufacture, marketing,
      distribution and sale of pharmaceutical products.

(B)   Novartis wishes to license to Cephalon the trademarks and product licences
      to certain of its products and to grant Cephalon the right to market and
      sell those products in the Territory (as hereinafter defined) for a period
      of 10 years.

NOW IT IS AGREED as follows:-

1.    Definitions and Interpretation

1.1   In this Licence the following terms shall have the following meanings:

      "Affiliate" means any company, partnership or other entity which directly
      or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with
      the Party in question including as a Subsidiary or Holding Company;

      "Commencement Date" means 1 January 2001;

      "Control" means the ownership (direct or indirect) of more than 50% of the
      issued share capital, or the legal power to direct or cause the direction
      of the general management and policies of the Party in question and
      "Controlled" and "Controller" shall be construed accordingly;

      "End Users" means customers who are not reselling the Products to third
      parties;

      "Force Majeure" means in relation to any Party any event or circumstance
      which is beyond the reasonable control of that Party which event that
      Party could not reasonably be expected to have taken into account at the
      date of this Licence

                                      -1-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

      including acts of God, war, riot, civil commotion, any overriding
      emergency, fire, flood, storm and industrial dispute (other than
      industrial dispute affecting only the employees of the Party suffering the
      event of force majeure or any of its agents or subcontractors);

      "Party" means Cephalon or Novartis (or their respective successors);

      "Product Licence" means the authorisation for the sale and marketing of
      the Products in the Territory granted by a Governmental or Regulatory
      Authority as may be varied from time to time by Novartis;

      "Products" means the Products listed in Schedule 1 together with such
      additions as the Parties may agree in writing;

      "Rights" means all or any copyright, design right, trademarks, tradenames,
      patents, know how, trade secrets and other intellectual property or other
      proprietary rights which may at any time subsist throughout all or any
      part of the world whether registered or otherwise including, without
      limitation, the Trademarks and all extensions and renewals thereof;

      "Term" means the period of ten years from the Commencement Date;

      "Territory" means the United Kingdom together with the Republic of Ireland
      or as may be agreed between the parties from time to time;

      "Trademarks" means the registered trademarks for the Products set out in
      Schedule 2;

1.2   In this Licence:

      1.2.1 unless the context otherwise requires all references to a particular
            Clause, Schedule or paragraph shall be a reference to that Clause,
            Schedule or paragraph, in or to this Licence as it may be amended
            from time to time pursuant to this Licence;

                                      -2-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

      1.2.2 the table of contents and headings are inserted for convenience only
            and shall be ignored in construing this Licence;

      1.2.3 unless the contrary intention appears words importing the masculine
            gender shall include the feminine and vice versa and words in the
            singular include the plural and vice versa;

      1.2.4 unless the contrary intention appears words denoting persons shall
            include any individual, partnership, company, corporation, joint
            venture, trust, association (incorporated or unincorporated),
            organisation or other entity, in each case whether or not having
            separate legal personality;

      1.2.5 reference to any statute or regulation includes any modification or
            re-enactment of that statute or regulation; and

      1.2.6 reference to the words "include" or "including" are to be construed
            without limitation to the generality of the preceding words.

2.    The Licence/Term

2.1   Novartis hereby grants Cephalon a licence to promote, market, sell, and
      distribute the Products in the Territory under the Trademarks and in
      accordance with the Product Licences, together with a right to sub-license
      the same to its Affiliates or to Novartis and its Affiliates.

2.2   This Agreement shall commence on the Commencement Date and continue for
      the Term, provided that the provisions of Clauses 2.3 and 2.4 shall expire
      on the fifth anniversary of the Commencement Date unless renewed by
      specific agreement between the Parties.

2.3   The licence granted to Cephalon shall be exclusive and Novartis will not
      appoint in the Territory any other distributor or reseller of the Products
      nor, except as provided in Clause 2.2, will it directly supply for its own
      account any Product to distributors, resellers or End Users located within
      the Territory.

                                      -3-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

2.4   Cephalon will purchase all its requirements of the Products from Novartis.

3.    Trademarks

3.1   Novartis will maintain the existing registrations of the Trademarks and
      Cephalon will provide, at the request of Novartis, all necessary
      assistance in maintaining such registrations.

3.2   Cephalon:

      3.2.1 Shall not do or omit to do anything to diminish the rights of
            Novartis in the Trademarks or impair any registration of the
            Trademarks

      3.2.2 Will comply with all regulations and practices in force or use in
            the Territory to safeguard Novartis' rights in the Trademarks

      3.2.3 Acknowledges that Novartis is the owner of the Trademarks and that
            Cephalon shall not dispute or challenge the validity of the
            Trademarks or the rights of Novartis to the Trademarks during the
            term of this Licence and that any goodwill derived from the use by
            Cephalon of the Trademarks shall accrue to Novartis

3.3   Each Party must promptly notify the other of any actual or suspected
      infringement within the Territory of the Trademarks that comes to its
      attention. Cephalon shall co-operate fully with Novartis in taking all
      steps required by Novartis, in its sole discretion, in connection with the
      infringement. Novartis will be responsible for the cost of any legal
      proceedings it requires and is entitled to any damages, account of profits
      and/or aware of costs recovered.

                                      -4-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

4.    Product Licences

4.1   Novartis will ensure the maintenance as far as possible of the existing
      registrations of the Product Licences provided, however, that Novartis
      shall have the right to amend the same in the normal course of business
      after consultation with Cephalon.

4.2   Cephalon:

      4.2.1 Shall not do anything to diminish the rights of Novartis in the
            Product Licences or impair any registration of the Product Licences;

      4.2.2 Will comply with all regulations and practices in force or use in
            the Territory to safeguard Novartis' rights in the Product Licences.

5.    Warranties

5.1   Novartis hereby represents and warrants to Cephalon that at the date of
      this Licence:

      5.1.1 That it is entitled to grant this Licence to Cephalon.

      5.1.2 The execution of the Licence and the performance of Novartis'
            obligations thereunder to Novartis' best knowledge and belief (i)
            does not conflict with or violate any requirement of applicable laws
            or regulations, (ii) does not conflict with, or constitute a default
            under, any contractual or other obligation of Novartis and (iii)
            will not infringe the Rights of any third party.

      5.1.3 Novartis has not granted to any third party any sub-licence or other
            interest of any kind (including any charge, lien or encumbrance) in
            respect of the Products which would affect Cephalon's rights under
            the Licence.

5.2   Cephalon hereby represents and warrants to Novartis that at the date of
      this Licence:

                                      -5-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

      5.2.1 Cephalon has the full legal right to enter into the Licence and
            to perform its obligations thereunder.

      5.2.2 The execution and delivery of the Licence and the performance of
            Cephalon's obligations thereunder to Cephalon's best knowledge and
            belief (i) does not conflict with or violate any requirement of
            applicable laws or regulations, (ii) does not conflict with, or
            constitute a default under, any contractual or other obligation of
            Cephalon and (iii) will not infringe the Rights of any third party.

      5.2.3 Cephalon shall use all reasonable efforts to market, promote, sell
            and distribute the Products in the Territory.

6.    Payments

      In consideration of the grant of the licence from Novartis to Cephalon in
      respect of the Products Cephalon shall pay the sum of [**] in three equal
      payments of [**] payable on 1 January 2001, 31 December 2001 and 31
      December 2002.

7.    Force Majeure

7.1   If a Party (the "Non-Performing Party") is unable to carry out any of its
      obligations under this Licence due to Force Majeure this Licence shall
      remain in effect but:-

      7.1.1 the Non-Performing Party's relevant obligations under this Licence;
            and

      7.1.2 the relevant obligations of the other Party ("the Innocent Party")
            under this Licence, shall be suspended for a period equal to the
            circumstance of Force Majeure or 3 months whichever is the shorter
            provided that:-

            (a)   the suspension of performance is of no greater scope than is
                  required by the Force Majeure;

            (b)   the Non-Performing Party gives the Innocent Party prompt
                  notice describing the circumstances of Force Majeure,
                  including

                                      -6-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

                  the nature of the occurrence and its expected duration, and
                  continues to furnish regular reports during the period of
                  Force Majeure;

            (c)   the Non-Performing Party uses all reasonable efforts to remedy
                  its inability to perform and to mitigate the effects of the
                  circumstances of Force Majeure; and

            (d)   as soon as practicable after the event which constitutes Force
                  Majeure the Parties discuss how best to continue their
                  operations as far as possible in accordance with this Licence

8.    Termination

      This agreement shall expire at the end of the Term unless terminated
      earlier pursuant to the prior agreement of the Parties.

9.    Confidential Information

9.1   Each Party shall treat (both during and after the subsistence of this
      Licence) as confidential all know-how and confidential information of the
      other including, without limitation, all information and data in respect
      of the Products supplied or made available by or on behalf of either
      Party, and details of trade prices at which the Products are sold between
      the Parties or between Affiliates of either of them (the "Confidential
      Information") and neither Party shall without the prior written consent of
      the other:

      9.1.1 exploit any part of the Confidential Information save as is
            reasonably necessary to enable it to perform its obligations under
            the Licence;

      9.1.2 disclose any part of the Confidential Information (other than to
            Regulatory Authorities who require the same where the Party
            concerned is legally obliged to disclose the same or entitled to do
            so under this Licence) or to its employees or customers (or
            potential customers) who need to

                                      -7-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

            know the Confidential Information for the purpose of performing
            their obligations under this Licence provided that:

            (a)   such person is made aware prior to disclosure of the
                  proprietary and confidential nature of the Confidential
                  Information; and

            (b)   such person owes an express duty of confidence to the
                  Disclosing Party which the Disclosing Party shall fully
                  enforce.

10.   Notices

10.1  Any notice to be given in connection with this Licence shall be in writing
      and shall be deemed duly served if delivered personally or sent by first
      class or recorded delivery post or by facsimile to the Company Secretary
      at the address of the Party concerned which is set out in this Licence or
      as may be notified to the other Party in accordance with the provisions of
      this Clause. Any notices which are sent by e-mail shall not be valid
      unless and until confirmed by personal delivery, first class or recorded
      delivery post or by facsimile.

      Any such notice shall be deemed to be served:

      10.1.1 if delivered personally, on the day on which it is delivered;

      10.1.2 if sent by post, 5 Business Days after the time of posting;

      10.1.3 if sent by facsimile, on acknowledgement by the recipient's
             facsimile receiving equipment on a Business Day if the
             acknowledgement occurs before 1700 hours local time of the
             recipient and in any other case on the following Business Day.

11.   Relationship of Parties

11.1  This Licence shall not permit or authorise either Party to:

      11.1.1 incur any expenses on behalf of the other Party;

                                      -8-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

      11.1.2 enter into any commitment or make any representation or warranty on
             behalf of the other Party;

      11.1.3 pledge the credit of, or otherwise bind or oblige the other Party;
             or

      11.1.4 commit the other Party in any way whatsoever

      without in each case obtaining the other Party's prior written consent.

12.   Waiver

      In no event shall any delay failure or omission on the part of any Party
      in enforcing exercising or pursuing any right, power, privilege, claim or
      remedy, which is conferred by this Licence, or arises under this Licence,
      or arises from any breach by the other Party to this Licence of any of its
      obligations under this Licence, be deemed to be or be construed as:

      12.1.1 a waiver thereof, or of any other such right, power, privilege,
             claim or remedy, in respect of the particular circumstances in
             question; or

      12.1.2 operate so as to bar the enforcement or exercise thereof, or of any
             other such right, power, privilege, claim or remedy, in any other
             instance at any time or times afterwards.

13.   Severability

      Any provision of this Licence which is held invalid or unenforceable in
      any jurisdiction shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
      unenforceability without invalidating or rendering unenforceable the
      remaining provisions hereof, and any such invalidity or unenforceability
      in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such
      provisions in any other jurisdiction

                                      -9-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

14.   Governing Law

14.1  This Licence is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the
      laws of England and the Parties hereby submit to the non-exclusive
      jurisdiction of the English Courts.

15.   Transmission of Rights

      Neither Party shall assign the benefit and/or the burden of this Licence
      to any third Party without the prior written consent of the other.

16.   Counterparts

      This Licence may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the
      Parties on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be
      an original of this Licence, and all of which shall together constitute
      one and the same instrument. Complete sets of counterparts shall be lodged
      with each Party.

17.   Third Party Rights

      Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer on any person any right to
      enforce any term of this Licence which that person would not have had but
      for the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

18.   Variations

      Except as provided herein, this Licence may not be amended, varied or
      modified except in writing signed by a duly authorised officer or
      representative of each of the Parties.

                                      -10-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Licence on the day and
year first before written.

SIGNED by                                  )
for and on behalf of                       ) J. Kevin Buchi
CEPHALON INC                               )
in the presence of:                        )

Mary Lou Geis

SIGNED by                                  )
for and on behalf of                       )George Miller
NOVARTIS AG                                ) Reto Wittwer
in the presence of:                        )Marianne Lyssser

Sally J Shorthose

                                      -11-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE 1

                                    Products

Brand Name/Active Ingredient

ANAFRANIL - clomipramine hydrochloride
LIORESAL - baclofen
RITALIN - methylphenidate
TEGRETOL - carbamazepine

                                      -12-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE 2

                                 The Trade Marks

Product               Territory     Class  Registered    Valid until
                                           number
ANAFRANIL             UK            5      884607        2010
LIORESAL              UK            5      853707        2008
RITALIN               UK            5      669833        2007
TEGRETOL              UK            5      831335        2007

                                      -13-

**Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for
confidential treatment that has been filed with the Commission. The omitted
portions have been filed separately with the Commission.

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