National Pharmaceutical Council Welcomes New Member, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.

Washington, DC (December 21, 2009) –The National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) today announced that Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. has joined the health policy research organization as a member.

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OAPI) is a fast-growing specialty healthcare company that commercializes Otsuka-discovered product opportunities in North America, with a strong focus on and commitment to neuroscience, oncologic, and hospital products. OAPI is dedicated to improving patients’ health and the quality of human life. OAPI is part of the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Group, and was established in 1989 by Otsuka America, Inc. (OAI), which is wholly owned by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (OPC).

In joining NPC, OAPI President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Altmeyer said, “I’m impressed with NPC’s focus and achievements in the areas of comparative effectiveness research and evidence-based medicine. These are important issues that could affect not only research and development, but more importantly, patient health care.”

Mr. Altmeyer will serve on NPC’s Board of Directors, which includes top executives from the leading research-based pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott Laboratories, Astra Zeneca LP, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Eisai inc., Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Pfizer Inc, sanofi-aventis, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and Teva Neuroscience.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Altmeyer and Otsuka to NPC and we look forward to their active participation on our Board and research committees. As a leader in neuroscience, oncology and hospital therapies, Otsuka brings additional, valuable perspectives and expertise to NPC’s scientific analyses and education to inform the health care policy debate,” said NPC President Dan Leonard.

About the National Pharmaceutical Council

NPC’s overarching mission is to sponsor and conduct scientific analyses of the appropriate use of biopharmaceuticals and the clinical and economic value of innovation. The organization’s strategic focus is on evidence-based medicine (EBM) for health care decision-making, to ensure that patients have access to high-quality care. NPC was established in 1953 and is supported by the nation’s major research-based pharmaceutical companies. For more information, visit www.npcnow.org.