CellCentric Licenses Novel Epigenetic Discovery Programme to Takeda

CAMBRIDGE, England, February 25, 2010 - From its broad portfolio of novel targets in epigenetics,
CellCentric has out-licensed exclusively the development and
commercialisation of an important programme focused on cancer.

Under the terms of the new agreement, CellCentric will receive
from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited an upfront payment and
pre-clinical and clinical milestones, in addition to royalties. Based on the
royalties and milestones defined, the overall deal could be worth in excess
of $200m to CellCentric over the course of the agreement.

This is a pioneering deal for the emerging area of
epigenetics, demonstrating the commercial interest in novel epigenetic
targets beyond HDACs (histone deacetylases) and DNMTs (DNA methyltransferases
). Therapeutic research will be initiated by Takeda's Research Group.
Development of molecules stemming from this agreement will be completed by
Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, which is responsible for Takeda's
global oncology development strategy.

Many diseases including cancer involve a loss of cell fate
control. In many cases this is associated with aberrant epigenetic changes to
chromatin: dynamic modifications of DNA and its associated proteins,
including histones. These epigenetic alterations are caused by a range of
enzymes. Initial therapeutic interest has been focused on inhibiting HDAC and
DNMTs. It has become increasingly clear that there are many other key
epigenetic related enzymes that can be targeted and which may offer greater
specificity of action. These include histone methyltransferases, demethylases
and ubiquitin-related enzymes.

CellCentric has an innovation platform built upon
relationships with over 30 world leading research labs in epigenetics. The
company has identified and prioritised multiple next generation targets and
runs a series of active drug discovery programmes from its centre in
Cambridge, UK. As programmes move forward, CellCentric is able to gain
continued benefit and support from multiple Principal Investigators within
its network.

With an extensive portfolio and rich pipeline, CellCentric's
strategy is to develop some target programmes through licences and
collaborations with Pharmaceutical companies while retaining other programmes
for development itself.

Dr Hiroyuki Odaka, General Manager of the Pharmaceutical
Research Division of Takeda said "Epigenetics is an important area for novel
oncology therapeutics. This new agreement demonstrates our commitment to
researching and pioneering the best ways to treat cancer."

Dr Will West, CEO of CellCentric added "This licence is a
strong endorsement of the way we are approaching innovation in epigenetics.
This is an area that is no longer seen as just interesting, but as a
necessity for pharmaceutical companies growing their armoury for tackling
intractable diseases such as cancer".

Notes:

CellCentric is a biotechnology company focused on epigenetics.
Formed in 2004, it works with over 30 academic labs worldwide to identify,
patent and commercialise product opportunities. CellCentric currently has 7
novel target discovery programmes ongoing, focused on cancer, as well as
multiple projects related to reprogramming and epigenetic tools. For further
details on the company, see: www.cellcentric.com.

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
www.takeda.com.

For further details, please contact: Will West, CEO CellCentric Tel: + 44-(0)-1799-531-130 will.west at cellcentric.com