Advagraf(R) Now Available in Germany and the UK as a Once-Daily Immunosuppressant in Organ Transplantation

London (ots/PRNewswire) - Astellas today announced that
Advagraf(R) (generic name: tacrolimus, prolonged release), a
once-daily immunosuppressant for use in organ transplantation, is now
available in Germany and the UK.

The European Commission approved Advagraf(R) on April 23, 2007 for
the prophylaxis of transplant rejection in adult kidney or liver
allograft recipients and for the treatment of allograft rejection
resistant to treatment with other immunosuppressive drugs in adult
patients in Europe.

Advagraf(R) is a once-daily formulation of Prograf(R) (tacrolimus,
twice-daily formulation), the leading immunosuppressive agent
developed by Astellas. Advagraf(R) is expected to improve long-term
compliance with its more convenient once-daily dosing option, and may
have the potential to reduce the incidence of chronic rejection and
graft loss. A recent study in kidney transplant recipients was able
to show a statistically significant improvement in adherence
associated with once-daily dosing compared with twice-daily dosing
regimens(1).

(1) Weng, FL., Israni, AK., Joffe, MM., et al. Race and
electronically measured adherence to immunosuppressive medications
after deceased donor renal transplantation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2005;
16(6): 1839-1848.

Prograf(R) is marketed in over 70 countries around the world for
the prevention of organ rejection in transplantation. As a leading
company in the transplantation community throughout Europe, Astellas
aims to further advance the care and management of people with organ
transplants with the availability of Advagraf(R).

The availability of Advagraf(R) in the UK and Germany represents
the first of a Europe-wide launch, with additional country launches
to follow-on throughout the year.

About Astellas

Astellas Pharma Europe Limited, located in the UK, is a European
subsidiary of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a
pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people
around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable
pharmaceutical products. The organisation is committed to becoming a
global pharmaceutical company by combining outstanding R&D and
marketing capabilities and continuing to grow in the world
pharmaceutical market. Astellas Pharma Europe is responsible for 19
affiliate offices located across Europe, the Middle East and Africa,
2 R&D establishments and 3 manufacturing plants with approximately
3,000 staff.

ots Originaltext: Astellas Pharma Ltd
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Contacts for inquiries or additional information, Media Contacts:
Polly Dryden, Head of Corporate Affairs, Europe, Astellas Pharma,
Tel.: +44-(0)-1784-419-417