March 8, 2001

Terumo concludes marketing contract with Tanabe Pharmaceuticals Company for pre-filled atropine sulfate syringes

Tokyo-based Terumo Corporation has concluded an agreement with Osaka-based Tanabe Pharmaceuticals Company covering marketing of the 1ml Atoquick(r) 0.05% Syringe, an atropine sulfate injection solution, developed and manufactured by Terumo. Tanabe Pharmaceuticals Company signed a contract for exclusive Japanese marketing rights on November 20, 2000.

The Atoquick(r) 0.05% Syringe is a plastic syringe pre-filled with an atropine sulfate injection solution, mainly for use in emergency medical treatment. Preparation for administering the drug is simple in comparison to traditional atropine sulfate ampoules, and the procedure is quick, reducing risk of contamination or bacterial infection in non-sterile environments, such as at the scene of a disaster. The name of the preparation is marked on the outside of the syringe, to assist in preventing mistaken use of drugs.

Terumo, Japan's leading syringe manufacturer with an approximately 70% share of the domestic syringe market, is in the process of developing and marketing a series of pre-filled syringes.

Atoquick(r) 0.05% Syringe will supplement the widely used Tanabe Pharmaceuticals Company 'Atropine Sulfate Injection Tanabe' (1ml), providing a choice of delivery methods to meet a variety of medical needs.

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