Tokyo, March 23, 2011 - Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”, TSE: 4503) expresses its deepest sympathy for those who have lost their lives and been displaced by the Tohoku Earthquake, which devastated the region on Friday, March 11, 2011. Astellas looks forward to a quick recovery from this natural calamity and offers its support in the relief efforts. Following its initial report released on March 15, Astellas reports on the most recent conditions of its employees and various facilities in the wake of the Tohoku Earthquake below.
1. Regarding Astellas’ Employees
As reported in its initial report on March 15, Astellas has confirmed that all of its and its affiliates’ employees are safe.
2. Facilities in Devastated Regions
i. Manufacturing Facilities:
Nishine Plant (Astellas Tokai Co., Ltd, Nishine, Hachimantai-shi, Iwate prefecture,”Nishine Plant”）
Takahagi Plant (Astellas Pharma Chemicals Co., Ltd., Akahama, Takahagi-shi, Ibaraki prefecture, “Takahagi Plant”）
ii. Research Facilities:
Process Chemistry Labs. (Akahama, Takahagi-shi, Ibaraki prefecture)
Tsukuba Research Center (Miyukigaoka) (Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki prefecture)
Tsukuba Research Center (Tokodai) (Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki prefecture)
3. Conditions of Facilities in Devastated Regions
i. Manufacturing Facilities:
With regards to the Nishine Plant, shipments of some products have begun. And while production remains halted, efforts are being undertaken to resume operations as quickly as possible.
With regards to the Takahagi Plant, operations remain halted. Astellas continues to assess conditions at this facility so that it can establish appropriate measures to allow the resumption of operations as quickly as possible, while maintaining its top priority of securing the safety of its employees.
ii. Research Facilities:
Research operations at Astellas’ Process Chemistry Labs (Takahagi) remain halted. Astellas continues to assess conditions at this facility so that it can establish appropriate measures to allow the resumption of operations as quickly as possible, while maintaining its top priority of securing the safety of its employees.
While some facilities are currently being repaired at the Tsukuba Research Center (Miyukigaoka), normal operations were resumed from March 22.
The Tsukuba Research Center (Tokodai) resumed normal operations from March 16.
4. Marketing Activities
While conditions vary in Miyagi Prefecture and other regions devastated by the Tohoku Earthquake and in regions affected by the planned power outages, employees at branches and offices in the affected regions have resumed a certain medical representative (MR) activity including gathering safety information from March 22, while taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of all employees.
5. Supplies of Products
While there are some differences unit by unit Astellas has more than 3 months of inventories of its mainstay products.
6. Measures for Planned Power Outrage
The facilities affected by the planned power outages are as follows.
Manufacturing: Fuji Plant of Astellas Tokai Co., Ltd.
Marketing, Other Functions:
Eastern Japan Distribution Center
Eastern Tokyo Branch
Western Tokyo Branch
Saitama Branch
Yokohama Branch
Chiba Branch
Numazu Sales Office of the Tokai Branch
With regards to the Fuji Plant, measures against the planned power outages will be taken.
With regards to the Eastern Japan Distribution Center, measures against the planned power outages will be taken to ensure that shipments continue to flow smoothly.
With regards to affected branches, MRs have resumed a certain activity including gathering safety information from March 22.
7. Impact Upon Earnings
Astellas is currently assessing the impact of the earthquake upon its earnings and will quickly disclose pertinent information should it discover that its earnings are likely to be significantly impacted.
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