President of JPMA Nomination as candidate for President Dr. Aoki to continue for 2nd term

At the 420th meeting of the Standing Board of Directors of the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association (JPMA), held on April 19, current president Dr. Hatsuo Aoki (chairman of Astellas Pharma Inc.) was nominated to serve a second term as president of JPMA (from May 2006 to April 2008).

Dr. Aoki became the 11th president of the JPMA in May 2004. He has overseen various improvements of infrastructure to enable the pharmaceutical industry to fulfill the essential purpose of technological development through the generation of innovative new drugs, and thereby become the leading industry of the 21st century. In July 2005, Dr. Aoki also proposed the application price consultation system so that the value of new drug innovations can be better reflected in drug prices, and he has consistently provided valuable contributions to drug price reforms.

Furthermore, amidst the ongoing discussions on medical reform, Dr. Aoki has addressed the need for Japan's pharmaceutical industry to make more earnest contributions to global health in order for Japan to be able to play a bigger part on the world stage, and he has vehemently advocated the establishment of organizations that enable the Japanese pharmaceutical industry to contribute to global health.

These activities being highly regarded, the Standing Board of Directors has requested that Dr. Aoki continue in the role of president.

The decision to keep Dr. Aoki as president will be formally announced at the Board of Directors and General Assembly to be held on May 17, 2006, following deliberation by the separately organized Selection Committee.*Dr. Aoki's second term will commence in May 2006 and run for two years.