SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8K Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 1, 2004 JOHNSON & JOHNSON (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Jersey 1-3215 22- 1024240 (State or other Commission (I.R.S. Employer jurisdiction File Number) Identification No.) of incorporation) One Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933 (Address of principal executive offices) (zip code) Registrant's telephone number including area code: (732) 524-0400 Item 5. Other Events. On February 27, 2004, Johnson & Johnson ("J&J") issued the attached press release announcing the strategic alliance with Guidant Corporation for the co-promotion of drug-eluting stents. (c) Exhibit Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit Exhibit 99.17 Press Release dated February 27, 2004. 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 hereunto duly authorized. JOHNSON & JOHNSON Date: March 1, 2004 By: /s/ Stephen J. Cosgrove Stephen J. Cosgrove Chief Accounting Officer