November 21, 2008

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Takeda Submits European Marketing Authorization Application for Once-Daily Formulation of Competact^®

Osaka, Japan, November 21, 2008 --- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) today announced that Takeda Global Research & Development Centre (Europe), Ltd. submitted a marketing authorization application for a prolonged-release formulation of its combination treatment for type 2 diabetes, Competact^® (pioglitazone HCI and metfomin HCI) to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). The submission was through the centralized procedure and this new formulation allows once-daily dosing: Competact^® is currently available in some European countries as a product to be taken twice-daily.

Takeda is the originator of thiazolidinedione derivatives (TZDs) with the development of Actos^® (pioglitazone), which directly targets insulin resistance. Metformin acts primarily by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. These medications therefore work in combination to help patients with type 2 diabetes manage their blood glucose levels.

“This product will provide an additional treatment option for healthcare professionals and patients with type 2 diabetes,” said Masaomi Miyamoto, Ph.D., General Manager of Pharmaceutical Development Division of Takeda. “Takeda believes this product will further enhance our diabetes franchise in European markets.”

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