CBP501 Enters Phase II Trials for the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Numazu and Osaka, Japan and Cambridge, MA, USA – July 7, 2009 --- CanBas Co., Ltd. (Numazu, Shizuoka, “CanBas”) and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Osaka, “Takeda”) together with Takeda’s wholly-owned subsidiary Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company (Cambridge, MA, “Millennium”) today announced the advancement of CBP501 into Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Current pre-clinical data suggest that CBP501 has the potential to induce cancer cell death through a mechanism of action that blocks the ability of cancer cells to transition through the cell cycle. Data from a previous Phase I study indicate that CBP501 may enhance anti-cancer cytotoxic activity when combined with selected chemotherapeutic drugs.

CanBas and Takeda signed a collaboration agreement in March 2007 for the development of investigational compounds to treat patients with cancer, including CBP501 and its backup compounds discovered by CanBas. Under the terms of this agreement, the worldwide exclusive rights for development, manufacturing and marketing have been granted to Takeda, while in the U.S. the development and promotion are jointly conducted by both companies. Millennium will work with CanBas to advance global development expeditiously. In November 2008, the companies initiated a Phase II trial of CBP501 in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

"CanBas is committed to creating important new treatments for cancer. We are excited to see CBP501 moving to Phase II trials in non-small cell lung cancer," said Takumi Kawabe, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO, CanBas. "This is the second Phase II trial for CBP501, and we look forward to advancing both indications toward an eventual marketing authorization."

“We are encouraged by the continued progress of CBP501,” said Anthony Boral, Vice President, Oncology Clinical Research, Millennium. “Through our partnership with CanBas, we will continue to use our understanding of cancer biology to identify new strategies to fight cancer and bring hope to patients.”

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About CanBas

CanBas was spun off of the research of three scientists from the Nagoya City Medical School and Fujita Health Medical School. These scientists founded CanBas as a drug development biotech with the help of angels and venture capitalists in 2000. Additional information is available through its corporate website, www.canbas.co.jp.

About Takeda

Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals, enhancing its R&D pipeline through in-house research and development, lifecycle management of existing products, and also alliance and in-licensing. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to striving toward better health for individuals and progress in medicine by developing superior pharmaceutical products. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com.

About Millennium

Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, a leading biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Mass., markets VELCADE® (bortezomib)for Injection, a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor, and has a robust clinical development pipeline of product candidates. Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. in May, 2008. The Company’s research, development and commercialization activities are focused in oncology. Additional information about Millennium is available through its website, www.millennium.com.

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Contacts:

CanBas Co., Ltd.
Administration Department
Makoto Katozumi
Telephone: +81-55-954-3666
E-mail: katozumicanbas.co.jp

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Corporate Communications Dept. (PR/IR)
Ayako Iwamuro (Japanese media)
Telephone: +81-3-3278-2037
E-mail: Iwamuro_Ayakotakeda.co.jp

Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company
Corporate Communications
Manisha Pai (US media)
Telephone: +1-617-551-7877
E-mail: manisha.paimpi.com