Japan's Crown Prince Awards Most Prestigious 'Imperial Invention Prize' to Aricept; Eisai Co., Ltd. Recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Innovation.

Business Editors/Health & Medica Writers

Eisai Inc. announced that its parent company, Eisai Co., Ltd., won this year's "Imperial Invention Prize" in Japan in recognition of its development of Aricept(R) (donepezil hydrochloride tablets), an innovative treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

This is the highest award conferred by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (JIII) for outstanding scientific and technological innovations that have significantly contributed to the promotion of science and technology, the advancement of the economy, the development of human resources and the overall uplifting of the well-being of the Japanese population. It is the first time in the 98-year history of JIII that a pharmaceutical invention was bestowed the Imperial Award. In the past, award recipients have been predominantly industrial companies such as Toshiba, Sony, Hitachi, Canon, Toyota, Honda and Fuji Film.

The award recipients were honored during a special event held at Hotel Okura in Kobe on June 19. Prince Hitachi gave the "Award for Distinguished Contribution for Driving the Invention Into Implementation" to Eisai's President and CEO, Mr. Haruo Naito. Twelve members of the Aricept(R) Project Team headed by Dr. Hachiro Sugimoto, the principal inventor of Aricept(R), received the "Imperial Invention Prize."

In conjunction with the award, Eisai Co., Ltd. received two million yen (approximately $17,000). Eisai Co., Ltd. will donate the award money to Alzheimer's Association Japan, a non-profit nationwide organization that offers support and information to people with dementia and their caregivers. The Association has 40 chapters throughout the country.

At present, Aricept(R)(donepezil hydrochloride tablets) is the only approved treatment for Alzheimer's disease in Japan. Japan product sales began in 1999 and U.S. product sales began in 1997. Today, Aricept(R)is the number-one prescribed Alzheimer's medication worldwide. It is sold in approximately 50 countries. In the United States, it is co-marketed by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

About the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation

The JIII was established in 1904 to encourage inventions, promote the practical use of such inventions and diffuse and develop industrial property systems, thus advancing science and technology in Japan and improving the Japanese economy. To that end, the JIII established in 1919 the National Commendation for Inventions, an annual event that honors individuals for their contributions to the improvement of science and technology in Japan. About 20 awards are given each year to recognize such achievements. The highest award, the "Imperial Invention Prize," is conferred on the person whose invention or discovery is chosen as the most outstanding invention of the year. Other special awards such as The Prime Minister Prize and The Prize of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, among others, are given to the runners-up.

About Eisai Co., Ltd.

Eisai Co., Ltd. is a research-based human health care company which discovers, develops and markets products in more than 30 countries. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide health care system. The Company reported sales of over $3.2 billion in 2001 with approximately 13 percent of sales spent for research and development.

About Eisai Inc.

Eisai Inc. is a U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., a research-based human health care company that discovers, develops and markets products in more than 30 countries. Established in 1995, Eisai Inc. began marketing its first product in the United States in 1997 and has rapidly grown to become an integrated pharmaceutical business with sales of more than $1 billion in fiscal year 2001 (year ending March 31, 2002).

Drawing on the R&D strengths of its global parent company, Eisai Inc. focuses its efforts in four therapeutic areas: neurology, gastrointestinal disorders, oncology and critical care. Eisai Inc. employs more than 600 people at its headquarters in Teaneck, N.J., at its state-of-the-art R&D and production facility in Research Triangle Park, and in the field. Between 1998 and 2001, Eisai Inc. moved up rapidly in the rankings of U.S. pharmaceutical companies (based on revenues) from No. 44 to 20.

About Pfizer Inc.

Pfizer Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines, for humans and animals, and many of the world's best-known consumer products.

About Aricept(R) (donepezil hydrochloride tablets)

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, medical treatments are available to manage symptoms of the disease. Once-a-day prescription Aricept(R), indicated for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, can improve cognition and maintain patient function.

In a progressively degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, improvement, stabilization or a less-than-expected decline over time is considered a positive response to treatment. These types of responses have been observed in patients treated with Aricept (R) in clinical trials. Individual responses to treatment may vary.

Aricept(R) is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, or loss of appetite. In studies, these side effects were usually mild and temporary. Some people taking Aricept (R) may experience fainting. People at risk for ulcers should tell their doctors because their condition may get worse.

Aricept(R) (donepezil hydrochloride tablets) is the number-one prescribed Alzheimer's medication worldwide with more than 717 million patient days of Aricept(R) therapy sold. More than 1.7 million people in the United States alone have begun Aricept(R) therapy.

It is estimated that 1 in 10 individuals older than age 65 has Alzheimer's disease. Approximately four million Americans are thought to have the disease; by the year 2050, it is estimated that nearly 14 million Americans will suffer from Alzheimer's.

For more information about managing Alzheimer's disease and about Aricept(R), please call [phone], or see www.aricept.com.

Aricept(R)is co-marketed in the United States by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc, who are dedicated to advances in Alzheimer's therapy.

Full prescribing information attached and available at www.aricept.com. Aricept(R)is a registered trademark of Eisai Co., Ltd.