News

Astellas supports children's participation in the XV World Transplant Games

and shows the planet how successful organ donation and transplantation can be!

Markham, July 11 2005 - Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. is proud to sponsor the Children's Program at the XV World Transplant Games, the world's largest organ donor awareness event, which will be held in London, Ontario, from July 16 to 24. The Children's Program encourages youngsters to participate in the Games with the understanding that a healthy lifestyle is achievable after transplantation.

"By helping to support nearly 100 children from around the world to attend the games, we are hoping to show that organ donation and transplantation can allow people to enjoy rich and challenging lives." Said Barbara Reynolds, Director of Marketing at Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. "Being able to meet patients needs is possible through the creation of strong relationships with the transplant community. We have been dedicated to this goal, through our long-standing involvement in the World Transplant Games and other patient support initiatives."

The objective of the Astellas Children's Program was to increase the number of young participants by subsidizing registration fees for the children and an accompanying adult. During the games, youngsters will be able to send messages of thanks to the organ donor families and encourage others to consider organ and tissue donation. The program includes competitive sports and an exciting week of sightseeing at attractions in and around London.

About The World Transplant Games

The World Transplant Games have been in existence for over 25 years when the first 'Transplant Olympics' were held in Portsmouth in 1978. To date, over 1,800 participants are registered for the 15th edition of the Games. World Transplant Games competitors must be aged between 4 and 80, medically fit, with no significant medical complications and have received their life-saving organ transplant more than one year before the Games. Core sporting events include Track and Field, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Squash, Golf, Cycling, Volleyball, Lawn Bowling and Ten Pin Bowling.

About Astellas

Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. is one of the Astellas Group Companies in North America and a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc., located in Tokyo. The company is dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. In April 2005, the company was formed through the merger of Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. The organization is committed to becoming a global mega pharmaceutical company by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities and continuing to grow in the world pharmaceutical market. Additional corporate and product information is available at www.astellas.com/ca.

Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. contributes to the field of transplantation through the Transplant Companions program, a unique pre-transplant patient education program that operates in 11 centres across the country. For more information on the Transplant Companions program, please visit www.transplantcompanions.ca.

For more information, please contact:
Gabrielle Pauzé
MECA Médicomm
(514) 288-8500 / 1 888 764-6322 x236
gpauze@meca.ca