Orlando, Florida (February 26, 2002) - Treatment with ARICEPT (donepezil hydrochloride tablets) significantly improved the cognitive and global (overall) function of patients with vascular dementia (VaD), compared with placebo, according to results from a first-of-its-kind clinical study presented today at the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry's 15th Annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. Only patients with VaD were included in this study. Patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimers disease (AD) were excluded. ARICEPT is currently indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate AD.

VaD, cognitive decline caused by a single, localized stroke, or series of strokes, is second only to AD as a cause of dementia. Up to one-third of all diagnosed dementia cases are VaD. Of the patients over 65 years old diagnosed with dementia in the United States, approximately 9 to 39 percent have VaD; in Europe, the prevalence of VaD is estimated to be 1.5 to 4.8 percent for people 70 to 80 years of age.

This study is one of two conducted to examine the efficacy and safety of ARICEPT in patients with VaD, excluding patients diagnosed with AD. The results of the second study are expected to be released in mid 2002. Eisai Co., Ltd., which discovered and developed ARICEPT, will work with its strategic alliance partner, Pfizer Inc., to file both studies with regulatory authorities worldwide for an indication to treat VaD.

"This groundbreaking study is the first time a cholinesterase inhibitor has been studied in a population composed primarily of patients with vascular dementia. VaD is a condition that has been underdiagnosed and undertreated," said Raymond D. Pratt, M.D., senior director, clinical research, Eisai Inc., who presented the data at the Second International
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Contact: Kevin Sangsland
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Hill and Knowlton
26-Feb-2002