For Immediate Release

Company name: DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED
Representative: Joji Nakayama, President and CEO
(Code no.: 4568, First Section of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya Stock Exchanges)
Please address inquiries to Toshiaki Sai, Corporate Officer,
Vice President, Corporate Communications Department
Telephone: +81-3-6225-1126 (Public Relations)
+81-3-6225-1125 (Investor Relations)
http://www.daiichisankyo.com/

Daiichi Sankyo Launches Anti-Influenza Inavir(R) Inhaler

Tokyo, Japan (October 19, 2010) – Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo), today announced the launch of its anti-influenza treatment Inavir® Dry Powder Inhaler 20mg (generic name, laninamivir octanoate; approval for manufacture and marketing, September 10, 2010; drug price listing, October 4, 2010).

 

Inavir® is a long-acting neuraminidase inhibitor with therapeutic efficacy after a single dosage developed by Daiichi Sankyo. Inavir® shows the same efficacy with a single dose as a five-day administration of oseltamivir. As a new treatment option for influenza, Daiichi Sankyo is confident that Inavir® will be an important alternative for treating influenza, both benefiting patients and contributing to society.

 

In order to prepare for this year's flu season Daiichi Sankyo plans to supply 2 million units of the treatment (40mg) by the end of December 2010 and 4 million units (40mg) by the end of March 2011.

 

Daiichi Sankyo has a solid record in developing and selling antibacterial agents, and also offers influenza vaccines. The addition of Inavir® will further strengthen the company’s lineup for preventing and treating infectious diseases.

 

Product outline

(Launch date: October 19, 2010)

 

Product name	INAVIR®DRY POWDER INHALER 20mg
Generic name	laninamivir octanoate ( International Nonproprietary Name)
Drug price	INAVIR® DRY POWDER INHALER 20mg: ￥2,080.50 per inhaler (Japan standard drug price listing received October 4, 2010)
Efficacy	Treatment for influenza A and influenza B viruses
Dosage	Adults: A single inhaled dose of 40 mg of laninamivir octanoate hydrate Children: If less than 10 years old, a single inhaled dose of 20 mg of laninamivir octanoate hydrate. If 10 years old or older, a single inhaled dose of 40 mg of laninamivir octanoate hydrate.
Approval for manufacture and marketing	September 10, 2010
Remarks	Manufacture and marketing: DAIICHI SANKYO Co., Ltd.