United States newsroom

DEERFIELD, IL, October 1, 2008 – Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (“Astellas”) is pleased to announce its partnership with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to help further science education in the greater Chicago-area. Astellas will support 15 greater Chicago-area science teachers to participate in the 2008 NSTA New Science Teacher Academy, a national, year-long program that connects new science teachers to a range of tools and resources, while providing the essential support needed to build a strong foundation for science in their classrooms.

“Originally I was looking to use my love of science, particularly my pursuit to become a chemist, to cure cancer,” said Cheryl Heitzman of North-Grand High School in Chicago. “Then I realized, why not change the world one child at a time? I am so pleased to be a part of this year’s Academy and look forward to translating the resources and knowledge that I’ll gain from the program directly to my students.”

Headquartered in Deerfield, Astellas’ support of the NSTA and the New Science Teacher Academy is an example of the company’s ongoing commitment to the local community and the advancement of the field of science. The Astellas-sponsored science teachers, known as Astellas-NSTA Fellows, are from middle and high schools in Chicago and the surrounding Cook, Kane, Kendall, Lake, La Salle, Marshall, McHenry, and Will counties.

“Astellas recognizes that a child’s interest in science is sparked in the classroom. In fact, many of our own employees decided to pursue a career in science because they were inspired by a science teacher in school,” said Yoshihiko Hatanaka, president and CEO of Astellas Pharma US, Inc. “The NSTA New Science Teacher Academy enables Astellas to support greater Chicago-area teachers by connecting them with mentors, web-based programs and means to enhance their science knowledge base and that of their students.”

The NSTA New Science Teacher Academy is a professional development initiative created to help promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence, and improve teacher content knowledge. The program uses mentoring and other professional development resources to support new science teachers during the often challenging, initial teaching years and to encourage them to stay in the profession.

”Opportunities to learn and grow throughout a teaching career can have a profound effect on the quality of the teaching force and the performance of students,” said Dr. Francis Eberle, executive director, NSTA. “We are so pleased to have support from industry leaders, like Astellas, for this program, which provides early-career science teachers with the professional development, resources, and mentoring support they need to succeed in the classroom.” For more information about the New Science Teacher Academy, or to learn how to apply, please visit www.nsta.org/academy.

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (www.nsta.org) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 57,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education. The New Science Teacher Academy was created as part of NSTA’s Center for Science Education Campaign.

About Astellas

Astellas’ culture and brand is committed to building community, helping others, encouraging integrity and inspiring people to make a difference, today, tomorrow and every day. Astellas Pharma US, Inc., located in Deerfield, Illinois, is a U.S. affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. The organization is committed to becoming a global category leader in focused areas by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities. In the US, Astellas markets products in the areas of Immunology, Urology, Anti-Infectives, Cardiovascular and Dermatology. For more information about Astellas Pharma US, inc., please visit our website at www.astellas.com/us.