For Immediate Release

Daiichi Sankyo to Facilitate New Drug Discovery through Collaborative Research and Grants

Tokyo, Japan (February 28, 2011) - Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (TSE: 4568; hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) today announced its TaNeDS (Take a New challenge for Drug diScovery) collaborative drug discovery project. The company will select research partners from universities and public research centers in Japan.

One key objective in Daiichi Sankyo’s Second Mid-term Business Management Plan (FY 2010-2012) is the discovery of new lines of research through open innovation. Daiichi Sankyo has developed several measures for collaboration with external partners. By taking advantage of its presence in the Japanese market and its geographical location, Daiichi Sankyo hopes to develop new technologies for drug discovery and production of pharmaceuticals. The company is casting a wide net to facilitate collaboration with universities and public research centers based in Japan.

1. Overview of TaNeDS

（1）Multi-entrance

The TaNeDS project will accept entries for a range of themes, including exploratory research, collaborative research, early-stage drug discovery, concepts for inventions and enhancement of the value of intellectual properties. Themes covering all stages, from the initial phase of research to practical use, will be accepted.

In order to attract a variety of entries, both individual researchers and groups will be welcomed.

（2）Multi-exit

In order to efficiently realize practical uses from research results, a number of outcomes are foreseen, including purchases of intellectual property, joint research, commissioned research and establishment of a venture business.

（3）Research budget

Up to 50 million JPY per project has been allotted for world-class, domestic open-innovation.

2. Project overview

（1）How to apply

There are three ways to apply for research grants through TaNeDS.

A. Individual base: Exploratory research themes will be accepted. Through one year studies with Daiichi Sankyo researchers, the feasibility of the themes in terms of drug discovery and development of technology will be determined. Themes that show promise will enter into the collaborative research phase.

B. Project base: Large-scale research themes expected to lead to drug discovery and development of technologies will be accepted. Teams can include researchers from several organizations (ex. different universities or schools within universities). Daiichi Sankyo researchers will design the TaNeDS projects, which will be conducted jointly over a period of two years.

C. Theme development: Research themes that make practical use of intellectual properties and proprietary know-how will be accepted. After adoption of the themes, projects will enter the collaborative research phase to increase the value of the intellectual properties, and Daiichi Sankyo will determine the possibility of starting a new venture within a set period of time. If Daiichi Sankyo determines the theme to be realistic, it will consider supporting the establishment of a collaborative venture.

（2）Desired research themes

- Oncology

- Cardiovascular metabolics (metabolic disease, heart disease and vascular disease)

- Leading edge pharmaceuticals

- Antibodies, nucleic acid therapeutics

- Pharmaceutical technology platforms

For more information, visit our website:

https://www.daiichisankyo.co.jp/rd/taneds/index.html

（3）Who is eligible

Researchers from universities and public research centers that can conduct research in Japan

（4）Schedule

Application period: June 1 to June 30, 2011

First selection period: July 1 to July 31, 2011

Second selection period: August 1 through September 30, 2011

Feasibility studies/collaborative research: Starting October 1, 2011