Urology and Transplantation Will Drive Future Growth as Astellas Begins Move into Oncology

LONDON, April 20, 2010 - Today, on the fifth anniversary since its formation, Astellas Pharma
Europe has confirmed that it will continue its emphasis on transplantation
and urology while moving towards a new vision to build a strong presence in
oncology. Astellas has shown robust growth since its creation, expanding its
reach into new therapeutic areas and already achieving Category Leadership
status in urology and transplantation in Europe.

Masao Yoshida, President and CEO of Astellas Pharma Europe, commented:
"Our vision at Astellas is focused on changing tomorrow for patients. The
last five years have been a remarkable success, adding innovative new
medicines to our portfolio which tackle key areas of unmet medical need. We
are committed to continuing to bring our vision to life and it is very
exciting for the company to begin to focus on the area of oncology."

Since its formation from the merger of Fujisawa and Yamanouchi in 2005,
Astellas has adopted a four-part strategy to deliver sales growth
significantly above the industry average - franchise expansion, movement into
new markets, emphasis on marketing excellence and a commitment to becoming a
pharmaceutical employer of choice.

Astellas will continue to develop its expertise and offerings
in its five key franchise areas. Astellas already has leading and best in
class products in the fields of transplantation (Prograf(TM), Advagraf(TM)
and Modigraf(TM)), urology (Vesicare(TM)) and dermatology (Protopic(TM)) in
addition to innovative recent and forthcoming launches in anti-infectives
(Mycamine(TM) and Vibativ(TM)) and pain (Qutenza(TM)).

Oncology will become Astellas Europe's sixth franchise focus. Prostate
cancer therapy, Eligard(R), is already available in selected markets and
initial steps towards expanding the oncology capability have begun with the
acquisition of Agensys Inc - a biotech subsidiary of Astellas that is
developing a pipeline of therapeutic fully human monoclonal antibodies to
treat a range of solid tumour cancers. A number of these molecules are
currently in Phase I and II trials. The other outcome is MDV3100, a novel,
triple acting oral androgen receptor antagonist licensed in from Medivation
Inc. and currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of advanced
prostate cancer.

"We are very proud of the growth we have achieved since our company's
formation five years ago. Applying our core values of innovation and
fulfilling unmet medical needs, we have developed and diversified our
business from just two therapy areas on the market in 2005, to five franchise
areas and a promising pipeline today" added Mr Yoshida. "Going forward, we
are aiming to help patients living with cancer, as well as continue to
address and overcome the challenges in the fields of Transplantation,
Urology, Dermatology, Anti-Infectives and Pain Management."

Marketing excellence, becoming an employer of choice and expanding into
new markets are core aspects of Astellas' development plans for the next five
years. The company's dramatic progress in marketing excellence has been
recognised by several recent awards, including the 2010 PharmaTimes European
Marketing Company of the Year. The drive for excellence continues and sales
training initiatives and enhanced working practices have been put in place
to support this goal in the coming years. Attracting, growing and retaining
top talent is a priority for the company and several programmes, including
a unique leadership recognition and training scheme, are already helping
Astellas to become an employer of choice in the pharmaceutical industry.
Geographically, Astellas will continue its programme of rapid and strategic
yet prudent expansion, with a firm focus on emerging markets.

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 pharmaceuticals. 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 20 affiliate offices
located across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, an R&D site and three
manufacturing plants. The company employs approximately 3,400 staff across
these regions. For more information about Astellas Pharma Europe, please
visit www.astellas.eu.

Contacts for enquiry or additional information: Astellas Pharma Europe, Mindy Dooa, Corporate Communications Director, Tel: +44(0)1784-419-408, Email: mindy.dooa at eu.astellas.com. KetchumPleon, Dafni Kokkidi, Account Director, Tel: +44(0)20-7611-3591, Email: dafni.kokkidi at ketchumpleon.com