The Astellas European Foundation Pledges Support to Japan Earthquake Relief

STAINES, England, March 24, 2011 - The Astellas European Foundation has today announced financial support to
the Japanese Red Cross Society for their work to assist those impacted by the
earthquake and tsunami on Friday, 11th March. The Japanese Red Cross Society
is working with the local government of the affected region and the support
will help provide aid to the local population.

Mr. Ken Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.
and a Trustee of the Astellas European Foundation said, "We are deeply
saddened by the earthquake and subsequent events in Japan. I would like to
thank the large number of people who have contacted Astellas to express
their concern for our employees, and for the many people affected by the
earthquake and tsunami . The Japanese Red Cross is doing incredible work in
the region and we pledge our support to their vital efforts."

The support from the Astellas European Foundation is supplementary to
donations by Astellas Pharma Inc., headquartered in Japan, to the Japanese
Red Cross Society and by the Astellas USA Foundation to the relief work.

Our thoughts remain with those in Japan as the country continues to
deal with this crisis.

Notes to Editors

About The Astellas European Foundation

The Astellas European Foundation is a registered charity, formed in 2005,
with the long-term goal of providing support for programmes and activities
that contribute to the advancement of an increasingly healthy society. The
Astellas European Foundation also supports Astellas employees in their
fundraising efforts for charitable causes. The Astellas European Foundation
is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales with number
1036344.

About Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., located in the UK, is a European subsidiary
of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company
dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the
provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. The
organisation is committed to becoming a global company by combining
outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities and continuing to grow in the
world pharmaceutical market. Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. is responsible for
21 affiliate offices located across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, an
R&D site, and three manufacturing plants. The company employs approximately
3,900 staff across these regions.

www.astellas.com/eu

For more information please contact: Mindy Dooa, Director Corporate Communications, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., +44(0)1784-419-408, Mindy.dooa at eu.astellas.com