August 30, 2007

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Takeda’s Investigational Compound TAK-536 for Treatment of Hypertension Enters into Phase 2 Clinical Stage in Japan

Osaka, Japan, August 30, 2007 --- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) announced today that its investigational compound TAK-536 has entered into Phase 2 clinical stage in Japan. TAK-536 is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) discovered by Takeda and its mechanism of action is to lower blood pressure by inhibiting action of a vasopressor hormone Angiotensin II.

TAK-536 is expected to show stronger anti-hypertensive action, and also to have superior profile in improving the insulin resistance and renal protective action as compared to existing ARBs on the market.

“We are pleased with the progress of TAK-536’s development stage into Phase 2 in Japan as this compound is expected to succeed Blopress® (generic name: candesartan cilexetil), which is an ARB and one of our international strategic products, and also is one of the leading anti-hypertensive products in Japan” said Masaomi Miyamoto, Ph.D., General Manager of Pharmaceutical Development Division of Takeda. “We are aiming to vigorously accelerate the development of TAK-536 for the earliest possible launch to further enhance our franchise in this therapeutic area.”
  

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. 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, http://www.takeda.com/.

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