News Releases

Development of SSRI (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor)

Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
H. Lundbeck A/S

(Tokyo, May 31, 2002) Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd and H. Lundbeck A/S have signed an agreement on the development, manufacturing and sale of escitalopram in Japan. Escitalopram is an SSRI developed by Lundbeck, and it has been approved in 12 countries in Europe, and is awaiting final FDA approval for marketing in the U.S. for depression. Escitalopram, is a successor of citalopram, a worldwide used drug with proven efficacy and excellent tolerability. Escitalopram belongs to the class of antidepressants, the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's), indicated for the treatment of depression and panic disorders.

Under the agreement, Mochida is granted the rights to develop, manufacture, and sell the product. Lundbeck Japan K.K., a Lundbeck subsidiary, retains the same rights in Japan.

The market for SSRI and SNRI products in Japan is estimated to be about 30 billion yen, and is expected to grow further. Lundbeck and Mochida have agreed on a development plan as part of the collaboration.

H. Lundbeck A/S is an international pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and development, production, marketing and sale of drugs for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. In 2001, the company's revenue was DKK 7.7 billion and the number of employees approx. 4,000.

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