LONDON, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai Europe Ltd announced today that results from 9 clinical data abstracts about compounds in the company's oncology pipeline, product portfolio and preclinical oncology research have been accepted for presentation at the 44th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), taking place in Chicago from May 30 to June 3, 2008.

A wide variety of abstracts on Eisai investigational compounds will showcase research focused on metastatic breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer and other types of cancer, as well as supportive care to aid those currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

"Eisai's commitment to oncology is clearly translating into the substantial growth of our pipeline," said Haruo Naito, President and CEO, Eisai Co., Ltd. "Eisai's focus on becoming a global leader in oncology reflects our human health care mission to satisfy unmet medical needs and increase benefits to patients and their families."

The following Eisai abstracts are accepted for presentation at this year's ASCO meeting.

Product Abstract Details Location Details MORAb-003 Exploratory Phase II Efficacy Study of June 1, 2008 MORAb-003, a Monoclonal Antibody against (farletuzumab) Folate Receptor Alpha, in 4:30-4:45 Platinum-Sensitive Ovarian Cancer in First p.m. Abstract No: Relapse 5500 Location: Oral Presentation S406 (Vista Room) E7080 A phase I study of E7080 in patients with May 31, 2008 advanced malignancies Abstract No: 8:00 3526 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Poster 3 Location: Awarded a Foundation Merit Award W375E Lobby Poster discussion 12:00-1:00 p.m. Location: W375A E7080 Phase I dose escalation study and biomarker May 31, 2008 analysis of E7080 in patients with advanced Abstract No: solid tumors 8:00 3527 a.m.-12:00 Poster 4 p.m. Location: W375E Lobby Poster discussion 12:00-1:00 p.m. Location: W375A MORAb-003 A Phase I Study of MORAb-003, a Humanized May 31, 2008 Monoclonal Antibody Against Folate Receptor (farletuzumab) Alpha, in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian 2:00-6:00 Cancer p.m. Abstract No: 5517 Poster 7 Location: S403 Poster discussion 5:00-6:00 p.m. Location: S406 (Vista Room) GCP II Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II Inhibition in May 31, 2008 Inhibitor Rat Models of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity 2:00-6:00 Abstract No: p.m. 9558 Poster 37A Location: S Hall A1 E7820 A phase I study of E7820 in combination June 1, 2008 with cetuximab in patients (pts) with Abstract No: advanced solid tumors 2:00-6:00 3568 p.m. Poster 24G Location: S Hall A1 MORAb-009 A Phase I Study of MORAb-009, a Monoclonal June 1, 2008 Antibody against Mesothelin, in Abstract No: Mesothelioma, Pancreatic, and Ovarian 2:00-6:00 3578 Cancer p.m. Poster 27C Location: S Hall A1 Eribulin Phase II Study of Eribulin June 2, 2008 Mesylate Mesylate (E7389) in Patients (E7389) with Locally Advanced or 2:00-6:00 p.m. Abstract No: Metastatic Breast Cancer Location: 1084 Previously Treated with S Hall A1 Anthracycline, Taxane, and Capecitabine Therapy Poster 38A Advanced Breast Oncologist and Patient Roles in June 2, Cancer Assessing Current and Future 2008 Treatment for Metastatic Breast 2:00-6:00 Abstract No: Cancer: Results of an p.m. 1064 Observational Linguistic study Location: Poster 32B S Hall A1

Eisai began its oncology research program in 1987, discovering several small molecules that are in development as chemotherapeutic agents. In addition to its in-house oncology research and development (R&D) program, Eisai made three strategic acquisitions to establish a solid business infrastructure and enter the oncology market.

In October 2006, Eisai acquired four products mainly for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, as well as an oncology specialty sales force from Ligand Pharmaceuticals. This provided Eisai with an initial commercial infrastructure for oncology products. The acquisition of Morphotek, Inc. in April 2007 added important antibody technology and an antibody pipeline. In January 2008, Eisai acquired MGI PHARMA, INC., an oncology and acute care-focused company, to broaden its R&D and commercial capabilities, pipeline and product portfolio in oncology and supportive care.

Eisai is committed to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients with cancer and to delivering novel treatment options that create hope.

Note to Editors

About Eisai Europe Ltd.

Established in 1989, Eisai Europe Ltd. is the European pharmaceutical subsidiary of Eisai Co. Ltd., a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide health care system. Eisai focuses its efforts in two main therapeutic areas; integrative neurology and integrative oncology/critical care. Eisai employs more than 9,500 people worldwide.

For further information please contact: Andrew Day, Communications Director, Eisai Europe Ltd, +44(0)208-600-1400, +44(0)7973-411-419