Change in management structure at Santen Ltd

Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., the Japanes ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, has announced that Adrienne Graves, PhD, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of its wholly-owned US subsidiary, Santen Inc., has resigned and will continue to work with Santen as a strategic consultant and advisor to the Senior Management of Santen. Regarding the change, Mr. Akira Kurokawa, President and CEO of Santen Ltd., noted: “Dr. Graves built a strong US team, was responsible for obtaining three NDA approvals and is an active member on the boards of many ophthalmic organizations. We look forward to Adrienne’s continued contribution to Santen’s globalization initiatives as a strategic advisor on the development of the US market.”

With effect from April 1, 2010 Toshiaki Nishihata, PhD will become the CEO of Santen Inc. in addition to continuing in his current role as a Member of the Board, Senior Corporate Officer and Head of the Research and Development Division. Akihiro Tsujimura, who most recently was the Head of Business Development Department, will become the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Santen Inc.

Mr Kurokawa noted that this change in management structure will support the increased focus on the US market as part of Santen's globalization initiative. “We are focused on building a robust global pipeline, particularly in support of an increased presence in the US market, and we are aggressively expanding our clinical and business development efforts to support the company's international expansion. This change in management structure will increase the communication and corporate focus on the US market,” stated Mr Kurokawa.

“The R&D staff at Santen Inc. will remain an integral part of our overall global efforts. They are an essential element as we advance our R&D initiatives. I am eager to take on this new role and lead the company to enhance our global, integrated approach to R&D,” Dr Nishihata commented.