DEERFIELD, IL, October 17, 2007 – Astellas Pharma US, Inc., a leader in the field of transplantation, and The International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS), a leading transplant professional organization, announced a collaborative partnership to jointly develop further materials for the multi-award-winning Transplant Experience program – a comprehensive, educational resource for the transplant community.

“The International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS) endorses the Transplant Experience program and is proud to be a collaborative partner with Astellas,” said Beth A. Kassalen, Executive Director of ITNS. ”We are excited to be able to develop materials that empower organ transplant recipients and their caregivers to take a more active role in their treatment and long-term health.”

The Transplant Experience program offers a variety of tools to help empower patients and caregivers, providing resources throughout every stage of the transplant experience: pre-transplant, the first year after a transplant, and beyond. The program includes, tools, tips and also provides peer-to-peer information from transplant recipients. Materials are available at www.TransplantExperience.com or by calling 1-800-466-9191, and include:

• Welcome kit, including an inspirational video, a personal treatment journal and a unique pill box to help patients organize and carry their medicines
• Helpful information sent directly to patients throughout the year, including newsletters,emails, videos, special gifts and more
• Regular updates on news and events in the transplant community
• Shared stories of challenges and successes
• Tools and advice to help patients achieve long-term health

“Educating the patient community and sharing scientific knowledge with healthcare professionals, such as transplant nurses, is Astellas’ responsibility as a leader in the field of transplantation,” said M. Roy First, M.D., Vice President, Global Immunology, Astellas Pharma US, Inc. “This partnership further strengthens our relationship with the transplant community and provides vital information to patients and caregivers about the transplant experience.”

The first piece developed jointly by ITNS and Astellas is a brochure, “Kidney Function and Your New Organ,” available both in a hard copy format, and a downloadable version through http://www.TransplantExperience.com .

About ITNS

The International Transplant Nurses Society was founded in 1992 as the first professional nursing organization to promote the education and clinical practice excellence of nurses caring for solid organ transplant patients. Today, ITNS is a leading transplant organization with more than 1,400 active members representing 29 countries around the world.

A vital component of countless nursing careers, ITNS provides a forum for learning about the most current advances in transplantation and transplant patient care. Over the years ITNS has provided skilled transplant nurses the opportunity to share and learn with national and international peers and to receive recognition for their knowledge, leadership, and scholarly pursuits.

About Astellas

Astellas is a recognized leader in transplantation and has been committed to the field of immunology for more than 20 years. Dedicated to supporting the advancement of care for patients, Astellas continues to build upon its legacy and leadership in transplantation by investing in ongoing clinical research and new product development. Astellas Pharma US, Inc., located in Deerfield, Illinois, is a U.S. affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc., Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. The organization is committed to becoming a global category leader in focused areas by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities. In the US, Astellas markets products in the areas of Immunology, Urology, Anti-Infectives, Cardiovascular and Dermatology. For more information about Astellas Pharma US, inc., please visit our website at www.astellas.com/us.