November 4, 2003

Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.

TPNA to Start Co-Promotion for Two Products
for Treatment of Cholesterol Disorders

OSAKA, JAPAN, November 4, 2003 --- Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd. announced today that its 100% subsidiary, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America,Inc. ("TPNA") has signed a co-promotion agreement with Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Kos") for Kos' two drugs, Niaspan (extended-release niacin) and Advicor(extended-release niacin/lovastatin).

The agreement has a three-year term commencing January 2004, and TPNA will receive the co-promotion fees based on agreed upon conditions.

TPNA believes that this co-promotion agreement will bring a synergy effect and contribute to its growth, particularly to its existing product Actos (pioglitazone HCl), that is an effective therapy option for type 2 diabetes and acts by reducing insulin resistance.

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