June 11, 2008
ReqMed Company, Ltd.
bene pharmaChem GmbH & Co., KG
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.


License agreement for pentosan polysulfate for osteoarthritis
 
ReqMed, bene pharmaChem, and Asahi Kasei Pharma have concluded a license agreement granting exclusive rights in Japan to Asahi Kasei Pharma to develop and sell pentosan polysulfate sodium (pentosan), currently being developed jointly by ReqMed and bene pharmaChem, for the indication of osteoarthritis.

ReqMed and bene pharmaChem are jointly performing Phase I clinical trials of pentosan in Japan for osteoarthritis. The license agreement provides for Asahi Kasei Pharma to perform clinical trials from Phase II onward, with ReqMed and bene pharmaChem receiving from Asahi Kasei Pharma a lump-sum payment, development milestones, and royalties on sales.

Pentosan is derived by chemically modifying a polysaccharide extract from beechwood. It has been approved overseas as an anticoagulant and as a therapy for interstitial cystitis. Used as a veterinary pharmaceutical, pentosan has proven to be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Human clinical studies in Australia and Japan suggest benefit in its use as a treatment for osteoarthritis.

With the license agreement announced today, Asahi Kasei Pharma, which has orthopedics as a primary field of focus of operations, will advance the development of pentosan to obtain early verification of the clinical efficacy of pentosan for osteoarthritis.
 
About ReqMed
Located in Machida, Tokyo, Japan, and led by President & CEO Dr. Tadashi Matsumoto, ReqMed was established in 1998 to serve as a bridge between biotech ventures and pharmaceutical firms. Operations are focused on pharmaceuticals development through early establishment of "proof of concept" and increasing added value with alliances, business development consulting, and investments in biotech ventures. Please visit www.reqmed.co.jp for more information.
 
About bene pharmaChem
Located in Geretsried, Germany, and led by Managing Director Dr. Harald Benend, bene pharmaChem is part of the Dr. W. Benend GmbH & Co., KG Group, which invented pentosan as an anticoagulant in 1947 and sells it as a pharmaceutical in markets centered on Europe. Operations of bene pharmaChem are focused on the development of pentosan for additional indications and the worldwide supply of pentosan as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Please visit www.bene-pharmachem.de for more information.
 

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