October 10, 2012
Press release
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation
KUREHA CORPORATION

Outcome of Global Phase III (EPPIC) Studies

Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, October 10, 2012—Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation(President&RepresentativeDirector,CEO:Michihiro

Tsuchiya)

andKUREHACORPORATION (President & CEO: Yutaka Kobayashi) announced today the completion ofthe AST-120, also known as MP-146 for Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma development code,
Global Phase III (EPPIC*1) Studies.

AST-120 (Commercial name: Kremezin®) wasinnovated by KUREHA CORPORATION and has been under global development fortreatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with its partner, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma
Corporation.

Approximately 2,000 patients were enrolled in the studies which were conducted in Europe
and the Americas*2. The studies were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials
to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of AST-120 at a dose of 9 g per day*3) added tostandard-of-care therapy in patients with moderate to severe CKD.

The primary endpoint

was time to initiation of dialysis, kidney transplantation or doubling of serum creatinine.

Statistically-significant difference was not shown according to an analysis conducted on theprimary endpoint. A subgroup analysis, however, suggested that AST-120 was effective inpatients with factors associated with fast progressive CKD.
A safety profile was similar to placebo treated patients.

Additional details of the EPPIC study outcome will be presented in the American Society ofNephrology meeting scheduled on November 3, 2012.

*1: About the EPPIC studies:
Evaluating Prevention of Progression In Chronic Kidney Disease
KUREHA CORPORATION and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation executed alicensing agreement for global development of “Kremezin®” in patients with CKD andhave conducted these multi-center studies which began in 2007.

Target population: moderate to severe CKD patients, approximately 2,000 patients
Countries: 13 countries in North America, Latin America and Europe
Centers: approximately 240 centers
Study period: 3.5 years
Study design: randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled
Efficacy endpoint* Primary endpoint: time to initiation of dialysis, kidney transplantation or doubling ofserum creatinine.
* Secondary endpoint: change of eGFR, etc.
*2: The patients enrolled in the EPPIC studies and the Japanese Phase III study differed interms of the rate of CKD progression and serum creatinine levels required for studyentry.
*3: The dosage of 9 g per day has not been approved in Japan (the approved dosage inJapan: 6 g)

About Kremezin®:
Kremezin® is an oral adsorbent consisting of highly purified spherical porous carbon.

Itadsorbs uremic toxins produced/secreted in the gastrointestinal tract and is eliminated in
the feces, resulting in a reduced systemic absorption of uremic toxins and thereby animprovement in uremic symptoms and a delay in the initiation of dialysis. “Kremezin” hasbeen marketed in Japan since 1991 as the world’s first medication for treatment ofpatients with CKD and has established its presence in this therapeutic area.

For further information:
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation,
Corporate Communications Department
TEL: +81-6-6205-5211

KUREHA CORPORATION
Public & Investor Relations Department
TEL: +81-3-3249-4651