October 2, 2007

Meretek Diagnostics and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Announce Completion of Merger

  ROCKVILLE, Md.— Meretek Diagnostics, Inc. and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OAPI) today announced the completion of a merger between the two companies. The merger forms a new division of OAPI called Meretek Diagnostics Group of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.

OAPI was established in 1989 by Otsuka America, Inc. (OAI), which is wholly owned by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (OPC). Meretek Diagnostics was acquired by OAI in 2001. Both are part of the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Group of companies. With this merger, Meretek staff members will become employees of OAPI.

Hiromi Yoshikawa, Chairman and CEO of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., said the agreement represents a tremendous opportunity.

“We are pleased to welcome the Meretek Diagnostics organization into the OAPI organization,” said Yoshikawa. “This merger presents expanded opportunities for research and development as well as for commercialization of new, innovative healthcare products.”

No significant change in staffing at either organization is expected as a result of the merger.