Approval of Glufast®, a rapid-acting insulin secretagogue in the China

Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (President, C.E.O. Mutsuo Kanzawa) announced today that Kissei has received the import approval for Glufast^® (generic name: mitiglinide calcium hydrate), a rapid-acting insulin secretagogue originally created by Kissei, and its application was filed in China in January 2008 by Kissei.

In September 2007, Kissei concluded a license agreement with Eisai Co., Ltd. to grant the marketing right of Glufast^® in the China. Hereafter, Eisai Co., Ltd. will take charge of launching Glufast^® in China.

Glufast^®, co-marketed with Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. since May 2004 in Japan, is a diabetic medicine that promotes insulin secretion by stimulating the pancreatic β-cells. It demonstrates effects promptly after dosing, thereby it brings insulin secretion closer to its natural patterns and improves postprandial hyperglycemia. Because of its duration of action, Glufast^® is less liable to trigger hypoglysemia.