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Convenient New Formulation of Aricept (Donepezil) Now Available for Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

TEANECK, NJ, NEW YORK, NY -- June 7, 2005 -- A new formulation of Aricept (donepezil HC1) is available for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, particularly for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Aricept ODT Orally Disintegrating Tablets is the first and only such medication available for Alzheimer's patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Aricept ODT in October 2004.

Studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease may develop difficulty with swallowing. Aricept ODT disintegrates within seconds in the mouth and should be followed by a drink of water. This formulation was designed to help patients who may have difficulty swallowing.

"Aricept ODT gives patients the proven efficacy of Aricept with the convenience of a tablet that disintegrates within seconds in the mouth," said John Ieni, Ph.D., executive director, Medical Affairs, Eisai Inc. "This is another example of the long-standing commitment by Eisai and Pfizer to helping Alzheimer's patients and their families."

Aricept ODT is available in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets in blister packaging, delivering the same dosage strength of drug as Aricept tablets. Aricept ODT will be co-promoted by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Eisai developed the technology for Aricept ODT. A similar dosage form was approved for use in Japan in February 2004.

Additionally an application was filed with the United Kingdom (UK) regulatory authority in Europe and approved in the UK in May 2005. Submissions via the Mutual Recognition Procedure in other European countries will follow in the coming months.

Information About Aricept ODT (donepezil HCl) Orally Disintegrating Tablets Treatment in Alzheimer's disease

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, medical treatments are available to help manage symptoms of the disease. Once-a-day prescription Aricept is indicated for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

In a progressively degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, improvement, stabilization or a less-than-expected decline over time is considered a positive response to treatment. These types of responses have been observed in patients treated with Aricept in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease. Individual responses to treatment vary, and some patients may not respond.

Aricept is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. Some people may have nausea, diarrhea, not sleep well or vomit.

Some people may have muscle cramps, feel very tired or may not want to eat. In studies, these side effects were usually mild and went away over time. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors, because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. Some people who take Aricept may experience fainting.

Aricept is the number one prescribed Alzheimer's disease therapy worldwide, with more than 1 billion patient days of Aricept therapy. More than 1.7 million people in the United States alone have begun Aricept therapy.

Aricept is co-promoted in the United States by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc, which are dedicated to advances in Alzheimer's therapy.

For more information about managing Alzheimer's disease and about Aricept, and for prescribing information, please call (888) 999-9616 or visit www.aricept.com.


SOURCE: Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

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