Launch of Argatroban, a Selective Antithrombin Agent, in UK

July 6, 2012 Press Release Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Launch of Argatroban, a Selective Antithrombin Agent, in UK Osaka, Japan, July 6, 2012---Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (hereafter, MTPC; President and CEO: Michihiro Tsuchiya) announced today that its consolidated subsidiary, Mitsubishi Pharma Europe Ltd. (hereafter, MPE; headquartered in London), began marketing argatroban monohydrate (hereafter argatroban), a selective antithrombin agent, in the UK. In December 2011, MPE filed in the UK an application for approval of argatroban as a therapeutic for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II by European mutual recognition procedure. In June 2012, following approval in March, the com pany launched the drug under the brand name Exembol ®. Argatroban, a selective antithrombin agent discovered and developed by MTPC, is currently marketed under the brand name Novastan® HI Injection in Japan. Following first European approval in Sweden in 2004, it has been marketed as a new therapeutic for HIT-II in 11 countries, including France and Germany. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II is a serious disease that can induce complicating fatal thromboembolism. Because argatroban has a short elimination half-life in the blood and undergoes hepatic metabolism, it is suitable for use as an anticoagulant for patients with HIT-II developing in perioperative settings or renal disease. MTPC and MPE expect to establish a foundation for the marketing of their pharmaceuticals in the UK and other European countries and contribute to needs in clinical practice in these countries through providing argatroban. <<Contact for Inquiries>> Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Corporate Communications Department Phone: +81-6-6205-5211

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