Fla., March 7 /PRNewswire/ --
  WHAT:  New studies presented this week, which look at the effects of
         ACTOS(R) (pioglitazone HCl) on in-stent restenosis, add to the
         growing body of information about ACTOS beyond blood sugar control.
         In-stent restenosis is a major set back in the long-term success
         after coronary stent implantation.  It occurs when a blood vessel
         or heart valve re-closes after it has been treated using a stent
         (as following balloon angioplasty or valvuloplasty) with apparent
         success:

         "Pioglitazone Reduces Neointima Formation After Coronary Stent
         Implantation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial
         in Non-Diabetic Patients," by N. Marx et al.

         "Pioglitazone Reduces Neointimal Hyperplasia After Coronary Stent
         Implantation in Nondiabetic Patients," by T. Katayama et al.

         "Inhibitory Effect of Low Dose Pioglitazone on the Development of
         In-Stent Restenosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus," by
         J. Yokayama et al.

  WHY:   Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are converging epidemics:
         cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death
         among people with diabetes. Studies have shown ACTOS has a positive
         effect on certain markers of cardiovascular risk, such as diabetic
         dyslipidemia, atherogenic lipids and c-reactive protein. One study
         in particular found that ACTOS has an overall positive effect on
         dyslipidemia (low HDL-cholesterol, high triglycerides, high levels
         of small, dense LDL-cholesterol) in patients with type 2 diabetes,
         as compared to rosiglitazone.

         ACTOS is an important and effective treatment option for people
         with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Since the
         introduction of ACTOS in August 1999, more than 40 million
         prescriptions have been written, covering more than 5.5 million
         patients and 2.9 million patient years. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
         North America, dedicated to patient health and safety, has offered
         the continued and uninterrupted supply of ACTOS in the United
         States for more than five years.

         ACTOS is not for everyone. ACTOS may cause fluid retention which
         may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. ACTOS has also been
         associated with edema and in rare instances hepatic failure has
         been reported.

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