January 18, 2010

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Approval of Actos^® Orally Disintegrating Tablets in Japan

January 18, Osaka, Japan – Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) today announced it has received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for Actos^® OD tablets 15 and 30 (pioglitazone HCI; Actos OD tablets), for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Takeda is the originator of Actos which helps reduce insulin resistance, which is one of the major causes of type 2 diabetes. In Japan, Actos tablets were approved and launched in 1999, and a New Drug Application for the new OD tablet formulation was submitted in September 2008.

Unlike normal tablets, Actos OD tablets swiftly disintegrate in the oral cavity and can be taken easily without water, which is expected to improve patient dosing compliance and promote better glycemic control. The approved indications, dosage and administration of Actos OD tablets are the same as those for currently marketed Actos tablets.

Takeda has already developed and is marketing OD tablets formulation of Voglibose (brand name in Japan: Basen^®) for the improvement of postprandial hyperglycemia. Takeda believes Actos OD tablets will contribute to the treatment of type 2 diabetes and will strive to further maintain and enhance its diabetes franchise.

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