Apeiron Advises Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation on $39 Million Financing in Combined Funding and Product Licensing Transaction

Framingham, MA, September 7, 2006

Apeiron Partners LLC is pleased to announce that it has closed a transaction between an investor group led by NGN Capital LLC and Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation (“AKP”) to create a new company, Artisan Pharma, Inc.. Apeiron advised Asahi on the structuring and financing of Artisan. The transaction included a financing round of $39 million and the licensing of a late-stage clinical product from AKP. As part of the transaction, Jeffrey D. Wager, MD, Managing Director of Apeiron, will become President and Chief Executive Officer of Artisan. Dr. Wager will step down from his day-to-day duties at Apeiron to become non-executive Chairman.

“Over the last several years, Apeiron has build a strong track record in the life sciences industry, providing its clients with solid transaction counsel on M&A activities, life science investments and having completed 5 spin-out transactions” commented Dr. Wager. “Given the momentum and pipeline currently I am fully confident about the growth prospects for Apeiron and I believe the team of directors at Apeiron are extremely qualified to maintain our growth as they continue to advise our clients on existing engagements – which include a number of additional spin outs.”

“Innovative deals such as the creation of Artisan are the hallmark of our business and highlights the creative approach we strive to achieve for all of our clients,” commented Gustav A. Christensen, continuing, “With Jeff taking on new responsibilities and with Apeiron possessing a strong pipeline of new deals, we are opening our doors to new talent with expertise in life science transactions that can complement our team.”

About Apeiron Partners LLC
Apeiron Partners LLC is a boutique investment bank focused exclusively on the life sciences. Apeiron Partners has worked on assignments, designing and negotiating a wide variety of transactions in all three major life science markets of North America, Europe and Japan. With an extensive relationship network, Apeiron enables its clients to pursue partnering, M & A and investment opportunities worldwide.