Eisai Co., Ltd. will be launching Aricept dry syrup 1%, a new formulation of Alzheimer's disease treatment in Japan on June 26. The formulation Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride), is the first dry syrup to have been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; it had received Japan manufacturing and marketing authorization on February 15, 2013, and was placed on the country's National Health Insurance (NHI) drug price list on June 21, 2013.

Aricept dry syrup 1% is a suspension formulation that allows the dosage to be adjusted within the range of approved dosage amounts at the time of administration according to individual patient needs. The dry syrup formulation contains a sweetening agent and is expected to not only improve drug compliance among patients who dislike or find it difficult to administer existing formulations, but to also reduce the burden on caregivers who assist patients in administering the drug. Furthermore, the dry syrup can also be taken with water in the same way as the existing fine granules formulation but is only half as bulky, making it easier to administer for patients who find the existing formulation too difficult to swallow.

Aricept is indicated in Japan for the treatment of mild to severe Alzheimer's disease and is provided in a wide range of formulations such as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, fine granules and an oral jelly formulation to meet the various needs of patients and caregivers. The dry syrup formulation provides a new option for patients with dysphagia or other difficulties in administering the drug.

Eisai will continue to leverage the vast experience it has accumulated over the years through the development and marketing of Aricept as it seeks to make further contributions to improve the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers.