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 Receives Approval to Manufacture and Market Inavir(R) Influenza Antiviral Inhalant for Treatment in Japan

Tokyo, Japan (September 10, 2010) – Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo), today announced that it has received approval in Japan to manufacture and market Inavir^® Dry Powder Inhaler 20mg, for treatment of influenza that is a laninamivir octanoate hydrate prodrug.

 

Inavir^® is a long-acting neuraminidase inhibitor that Daiichi Sankyo developed for the Japanese market. Inavir^® directly delivers the drug to the infected airways of influenza patients, and a single inhaled dose has proven to be as effective as a five-day course of oseltamivir for treatment of influenza. The company is confident that Inavir^® will be an important alternative for treating influenza, both benefiting patients and contributing to society.

Daiichi Sankyo has a solid record in developing and selling antibacterial agents, and also offers influenza vaccines. Inavir^® complements the company’s lineup for preventing and treating primary and secondary influenza infections.

Inavir^® Overview

Product name	Inavir®  Dry Powder Inhaler 20mg
Generic name	Laninamivir  (International Nonproprietary Names)
Indication	Treating influenza A and B viruses
Dosage and Administration	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.
Approval date	September 10, 2010