[Paris, 8 June 2006]: Abilify^® (aripiprazole), a novel antipsychotic medication, has been awarded the 2006 French Prix Galien for most innovative product on the retail market in France. This is the seventh honour for innovation bestowed on the first clinically available dopamine system stabilizer, which is co-marketed by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Otsuka's Dr. Tetsuro Kikuchi spent many dedicated years on the discovery of Abilify^®, which was specifically designed with the premise that partial agonism would control symptoms, cause few side effects and improve patient compliance. Dr Kikuchi's breakthrough was based on an assumption that the simple blockade of D2 receptors might not be optimal for the treatment of schizophrenia; but rather, a balanced reduction in dopaminergic activity, known as partial agonism, would be preferable.

"I am very pleased that Otsuka's unique culture provided me with the optimum environment in which to foster my talents and inspiration by enabling me to explore my research over a long period of time, while the answers remained elusive," said Dr Kikuchi. "This unique discovery has the potential to benefit millions of people with severe mental health problems worldwide."

Abilify^® is available to patients in nearly 50 countries worldwide, including 26 European countries.

The Prix Galien was established to recognise the pharmaceutical industry's outstanding achievement in the evolution of medicines. It was founded in France in 1969 by French pharmacist Roland Mehl and prizes are awarded each year in Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the USA and the United Kingdom. The winners from each of these countries are put forward for the International Prix Galien which is awarded every two years.

The Prix Galien is named after the ancient Roman philosopher and teacher Claudius Galenus (AD 131-201) who is generally recognised as the 'father of modern pharmacology'. Pharmaceutical companies may enter any new product they consider innovative that represents their best research and clinical expertise.