Aricept (donepezil Hydrochloride), Orodispersible Tablet Successfully Completes Mutual Recognition Procedure In The 12 EU Countries, Eisai Ltd

Tokyo, Japan, (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd (TSE: 4523)
announced that its UK subsidiary, Eisai Ltd, has received notification
of the completion of the Mutual Recognition Procedure (MRP) from the
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on December 22
(London time) for Aricept orodispersible tablet.


The MHRA confirmed that all 12 Member States involved in the procedure
have mutually recognised the UK national licence approved by the MHRA
earlier this year. The 12 Member States are Germany, France, Italy,
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Finland, Greece, Ireland,
Portugal, and Sweden. All 12 Member States will now issue their own
national licences in due course.


Aricept orodispersible tablet is designed to make administration easier
for Alzheimer's Disease patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets,
in order to contribute to many patients by this new formualtion. The
company has already started marketing an orodispersible tablet of Aricept
in Japan since July 2004. In the U.S., Eisai started marketing
orodispersible tablets from June 2005, and received approval in May 2005
in the UK.


Aricept, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor developed by Eisai Co., Ltd. in
Japan, increases the concentration of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in
the brain. Aricept is currently indicated for the treatment of mild to
moderate Alzheimer's disease.


Eisai covers the major regions in Europe, and is making efforts to enhance
its pharmaceutical sales structure in Europe. Through the new formulation
approval of Aricept orodispersible tablet, Eisai will contribute to the
medical benefits of patients in the EU through the enhancement of easier
administration for Alzheimer's disease patient.


About Eisai Co., Ltd.


Eisai Co., Ltd. (TSE: 4523)(OTC: ESALY) is a research-based human health
care company that discovers, develops and markets products in more than 30
countries. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing
sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all
aspects of the worldwide health care system. Eisai employs more than 8,000
people worldwide.
For more information, please visit

eisai.co.jp.


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