Asahi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tsukuba City, Representative Director: Ni Jianwei) is pleased to announce that it has received a 100 million yen investment from Tohoku University Venture Partners Co., Ltd., which will accelerate the preparation for clinical trials of drug development candidate compounds through collaborative activities with Tohoku University (hereinafter referred to as "Tohoku University").

◆Collaborative Activities Regarding Clinical Trial Preparation with Tohoku University
Through collaborative activities with Tohoku University, our company is determining the optimal indications for drug development candidate compounds and proceeding with preparations for clinical trials toward their social implementation. This investment will accelerate the preparation for clinical trials.

◆Investor Comment
"The collaborative activities between Asahi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Tohoku University present the possibility of new treatments based on scientific evidence for the optimal indications for drug development candidate compounds. We expect further progress in this socially significant initiative."
Fumihiro Nakamori, Vice President, Investment Department, Tohoku University Venture Partners Co., Ltd.

◆Future Outlook
With this investment, we will further strengthen our clinical development system and collaborative activities with Tohoku University, and proceed with development toward expanding treatment options. Our company will continue to work towards improving the quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from diseases by developing and implementing new treatment methods.