November 17, 2008
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.

Acquisition of rights to naftopidil
 
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp. has completed an acquisition of all intellectual property rights related to naftopidil, an agent for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) marketed as Flivas™, from Roche Diagnostics GmbH. Asahi Kasei Pharma has sold Flivas™ under license in Japan since 1999.

BPH is a condition in which an enlarged prostate gland causes urinary symptoms such as discomfort, incontinence, incomplete voiding, and nocturia. Naftopidil is an α1-blocker that suppresses the constriction of smooth muscle in the prostate gland and in the urethra, alleviating the discomfort and other symptoms of BPH.

The Flivas™ product lineup, including orally disintegrating tablets for ease of administration, has played an important role in improving the quality of life for many patients in Japan. As the population ages, Flivas™ will be an increasingly vital therapy for a growing number of patients.

The acquisition of naftopidil rights is part of a strategic expansion in the field of urology, which together with orthopedics and the central nervous system is one of Asahi Kasei Pharma's three fields of focus for product development and sales growth. Asahi Kasei Pharma will continue to reinforce and expand its urology-related operations with strategic actions under study including the expansion of Japanese sales and development of overseas markets for Flivas™, manufacture of bulk naftopidil, and advancement of new drug development.
 
 
 

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