Tokyo, Japan, October 1, 2005 - The Planova virus removal filter business has been transferred from Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp. to its subsidiary Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. The combination will enable synergy to be obtained between the membrane and filtration technologies of Planova and those of Asahi Kasei Medical's therapeutic and blood transfusion devices.

The Planova Division, as a discrete operating unit, has been transferred in its entirety; all production and distribution systems, sales and support personnel, and other contacts and relationships remain unchanged.

Planova Filters
Planova filters went on sale in 1989 as the world's first filter specifically designed to remove viral material from biotherapeutic products. With unparalleled performance in clearing viruses ranging from HIV to parvovirus B19 while providing maximum product recovery, Planova filters are used in biotherapeutic production processes throughout the world to enhance the virological safety of a wide range of products. For additional information, visit www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/planova/en/.