CoMentis and Astellas to Present Alzheimer’s Disease Research at International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD)

– Presentations Will Highlight Progress on Developing Disease-Modifying Beta-Secretase Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s Disease –

South San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan – July 28, 2008 – CoMentis, Inc. and Astellas Pharma, Inc. announced today that the companies will present six abstracts related to CTS21166 (ASP1702), a beta-secretase inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, at the 2008 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD) in Chicago, July 26-31. CTS21166 (ASP1702) is the first of several highly selective, potent and orally active beta-secretase inhibitors being developed by CoMentis and Astellas.

The following posters related to CTS21166 (ASP1702) will be presented on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 from 12:30 – 2:45 (CDT):

Single Dose Administration of the β-secretase Inhibitor CTS21166 (ASP1702) Reduces Plasma Aβ40 in Human Subjects
Poster #: P4-422

Phase 1 Safety and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Single Doses of CTS21166 (ASP1702) in Healthy Males
Poster #: P4-454

Pharmacokinetic / Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Plasma Aβ40 Reduction in Human Subjects Produced by the β-secretase Inhibitor CTS21166 (ASP1702)
Poster #: P4-455

BACE1 Inhibitor CTS21166 (ASP1702) Penetrates Brain and Reduces Aβ Pathology in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Advanced AD
Poster #: P4-456

Pharmacological Profile of BACE1 Inhibitor CTS21166 (ASP1702)
Poster #: P4-457

Oral Administration of the BACE1 Inhibitor CTS21166 (ASP1702) Improves Cognition and Reduces Brain Aβ in Tg2576 Transgenic Mice
Poster #: P4-458

About Beta-Secretase and CTS21166 (ASP1702)
The beta-secretase enzyme (BACE1) plays a key role in the cleaving of amyloid precursor protein to form amyloid beta, the main component of plaques found in brain of Alzheimer’s disease patients, and has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Novel drugs that inhibit beta-secretase are expected to reduce amyloid beta production and offer the potential to modify the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. CTS21166 (ASP1702) is the first of several highly selective, potent and orally active beta-secretase inhibitors being developed by CoMentis and Astellas.

In January, CoMentis reported results from a Phase I trial of CTS21166 (ASP1702) in healthy volunteers. The trial was designed as a dose escalation study to measure the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of CTS21166 (ASP1702) following intravenous administration. Forty-eight subjects received one of six different doses or placebo. The study measured levels of CTS21166 (ASP1702) and levels of amyloid beta in the plasma. CTS21166 (ASP1702) was safe and well-tolerated at all doses without evidence of drug-related adverse effects. CTS21166 (ASP1702) demonstrated excellent pharmacokinetic properties including dose proportional exposure, low inter-subject pharmacokinetic variability, and a profile consistent with once-a-day dosing. Dose-proportional reductions in plasma amyloid beta levels were observed following drug administration with persistent inhibition at higher doses and no evidence of rebound.

About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc., located in Tokyo, Japan, is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. Astellas has approximately 13,700 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to becoming a global category leader by rapidly establishing a business model in Urology, Immunology and Inflammatory, Diabetes, CNS/Pain, Infectious diseases (virus), and Cancer. We have discovered an over-active bladder (OAB) medication, Vesicare® and an immunosuppressive agent, Prograf® (tacrolimus), which have enabled us to become an established leader in both Urology and Transplant. For more information on Astellas Pharma Inc., please visit the company’s website at www.astellas.com

About CoMentis
CoMentis, Inc. is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA, with research operations in both South San Francisco and Oklahoma City, OK. The company is engaged in the discovery and development of small-molecule drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cognitive disorders. The company has two fundamental technology platforms: (i) aspartic protease inhibitors, including beta-secretase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease; and (ii) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists and antagonists for the treatment of angiogenesis mediated diseases and cognitive disorders. CoMentis currently has three product development programs based on its two technologies: ATG-3, a topical (eye drop) anti-angiogenesis compound for neovascular AMD; CTS21166 (ASP1702), an orally active beta-secretase inhibitor for Alzheimer’s disease; and several preclinical oral agonists of the alpha-7 nACh receptor pathway. For more information: www.comentis.com

CONTACT ASTELLAS:
Corporate Communication
+81-3-3244-3201
www.astellas.com

CONTACT COMENTIS:
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Office (650) 869-7600
press@comentis.com