Yokohama，Japan - Daiichi Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd. (ASUBIO), headquartered in Tokyo, and JGC Corporation have been selected as a finalist for the 2006 Facility of the Year Award competition for ASUBIO's NBP (New Bio Plant) project in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

The Facility of the Year Award competition is sponsored by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), INTERPHEX, and Pharmaceutical Processing magazine. The award is given to a pharmaceutical manufacturer with a facility project which demonstrates global leadership--one that showcases cutting edge engineering, innovative new technology, or advanced applications of existing technology. This year, the ASUBIO-JGC NBP (New Bio Plant) project has been chosen as one of five finalists, with the outright winner to be announced on March 22 at the INTERPHEX 2006 Conference and Exhibition in New York City.

ASUBIO, a member of the Daiichi Pharmaceutical Group, is focusing on the development of innovative ethical drugs through new technologies notably in the biotechnology field. ASUBIO performs research and development of mass production technologies for proteins, peptides and various modification enzymes. ASUBIO's NBP is a multi-product and multi-scale "Launch Plant" for bio bulk products adopting a unique process, making it a first in Japan. As a state-of-the-art "Launch Plant", the newest drugs will be produced at the facility.

JGC, a top contractor in the pharmaceutical engineering field in Japan, was awarded the contract by ASUBIO for the design and construction of the NBP. As the contractor for existing facilities at the ASUBIO site, JGC jointly conducted basic plant structure study and design simulation of the NBP plant with the client. JGC also adopted leading-edge trends such as process application, equipment selection, and facility engineering into the plant design based on JGC's achievements and know-how in the pharmaceutical engineering field.

JGC is extremely pleased that ASUBIO's new plant has been selected as a finalist for such a prestigious award. This selection confirms JGC's contribution to the client and its proven engineering track record in the industry. Through its continuing work and dedication, JGC wishes to further contribute to the prosperity of its clients.

The Facility of the Year's website can be accessed at http://www.facilityoftheyear.org