Eisai Inc. Assumes U.S. Distribution Responsibilities for Aciphex(R); Company Accomplishes Long-Term Goal for Aricept(R) and Aciphex(R).

TEANECK, N.J., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai Inc. announced today that the company has assumed the U.S. distribution responsibilities for Aciphex(R) (rabeprazole sodium) from Janssen Pharmaceutica, Inc. affiliate JOM Pharmaceutical Services. Eisai and Janssen will continue to co-promote Aciphex(R), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in the United States. The partnership with Janssen for sales, marketing and further clinical development remains unchanged for the duration of the co-promotion agreement.

Effective December 29, 2003, Eisai is fulfilling purchase orders for Aciphex(R) from a contract distribution center in Memphis, Tenn. Aciphex(R) was discovered and developed by Eisai and is manufactured and packaged in its Research Triangle Park, N.C., facility.

"The transition of the distribution of Aciphex(R) to Eisai marks the accomplishment of an important long-term goal in the company's quest to achieve independence and growth in the manufacturing, distribution and promotion of its own products," said Bill Sheldon, president and COO of Eisai Inc. "The distribution of Aricept(R) (donepezil hydrochloride tablets), and now, Aciphex(R), further enhances Eisai's capabilities as a licensee and committed partner."

Eisai's distribution contractor is centrally located in Memphis to ensure a quick turn-around time for customer orders. Eisai's return goods policy and terms and conditions of sales to direct U.S. and Puerto Rico customers will apply to Aciphex(R) sales after December 29, 2003, and these policies and terms are posted on Eisai's web site (http://www.eisai.com/, Pharmacy Trade Relations). All Aricept(R) and Aciphex(R) returns can be processed through Universal Solution Inc.'s One Box Returns Program.

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