Otsuka Podcast: Recent Episodes

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd 大塚製薬

The latest news from Otsuka's global team of professionals working to create new products for better health worldwide. 世界の人々の健康に貢献する革新的な製品を創造すべく日々活動している大塚製薬がお届けする最新トピックス。

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2019/20191114_vol113.html

The Otsuka group of companies in Spain hosted commemorative events in Madrid and Barcelona to celebrate its market entry in Spain 40 years ago, and subsequent long-standing commitment there since the establishment in 1979 of an office in Madrid. Shortly thereafter, the former Miquel Laboratories in Barcelona was acquired by Otsuka.

The 40th anniversary celebrations were an opportunity for the four Otsuka group companies in Spain to present themselves inclusively and simultaneously to national and regional authorities, opinion leaders, customers, and other stakeholders. The four group companies with a presence in Spain are Otsuka Pharmaceutical S.A. (prescription drugs), Hebron S.A. (coatings, polymers, inks and adhesives), Trocellen Ibérica (polyethelyne foams), and Nutrition & Santé (dietetic and organic foods).

More than 150 people participated in the events in Madrid and Barcelona on November 14 and 15, respectively. Numerous personalities from the government sector, the business world, the health sector and the Japanese Embassy in Madrid and Consulate in Barcelona took part.

At the ceremonies, Otsuka Pharmaceutical S.A. Managing Director Concha Caudevilla and Hebron SA Managing Director Marc Monnin said they felt proud of their companies' successes, which have contributed to improve the quality of life of the Spanish citizenry and to the sustainability of employment and the economy.

Currently, Otsuka group companies have more than 600 employees in Spain and four plants. Export activity represents 15% of total consolidated net sales.

Mr. Andy Page, (interim) president and CEO of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe, Ltd., stressed the importance of trust in long-term relationships as a key success factor.

Francesc Miralles, the award-winning Spanish author, who co-authored the bestseller Ikigai: The Secrets of Japan for a Long and Happy Life, explained to attendees the meaning of the word ikigai and shared points from the book. He noted, "Identifying the ikigai brings passion, satisfaction and happiness to the life of the individual." He also referred to the Japanese concept ichi-go ichi-e, which literally translates as "one time, one meeting", the concept of the unrepeatable and therefore cherishable nature of a moment.

The events were a splendid culmination of the 40-year commitment to Spain by the Otsuka group of companies.

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2019/20190901_vol112.html

A pressing concern for Japan is the need to reduce the amount of money the government has to spend on medical costs. One way that this can be done is to help people maintain good health after retirement. To support this goal, Otsuka has been working together with local governments, firms, and organizations across Japan to help keep people fit and healthy, with a particular focus upon specific regional problems.

In July of 2019, Otsuka joined forces with the city of Mima in Tokushima Prefecture and the pro soccer team from the area, Tokushima Vortis, to run the first Vortis Conditioning Program. The aim of this is to help citizens establish new exercise habits so as to improve their motor function, and through this reduce the likelihood of their requiring treatment in the future. By doing so, care costs can be reduced, relieving some of the financial burden on society.

This initiative made use of a Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry supported social impact bond (SIB) framework. SIBs are outcome-based contracts where private funds are used for initiatives that address social challenges, and governmental departments then later reimburse or subsidize the costs according to the program’s level of success. This project is particularly exciting as it is the first SIB in a healthcare field involving a pro soccer team.

A total of 1,800 members of the public will participate in the program over the next five years. Participants will attend weekly group training sessions with Tokushima Vortis coaches for eight weeks, as well as exercising at home at least once a week. The program will introduce the participants to a new exercise routine, and all daily physical activities will be tracked using a wearable device. The hope is that the program will help alleviate physical problems often suffered, such as those related to the hips, joints, and overall posture. After training, participants will be given a pack of Bodymainté Jelly, a lactic acid and protein supplement to support good physical condition, and receive useful nutritional information from a registered dietitian.

Participants in the first course commented that they were able to complete the exercises in about 30 minutes in their own homes, making it very easy to do. They also felt that the program had helped improve their physical condition, including their posture and problems such as stiff shoulders.

Otsuka firmly believes that good health requires attention to body, mind, and relationships with other people, and we are committed to helping nurture a healthy society by taking a holistic approach at a community level. We will continue to provide a wide range of opportunities to help people improve their well-being today, and through this contribute to the long-term health and happiness of society as a whole.

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2019/20190903_vol111.html

In recent years a lot of attention has been given to sleep, an essential part of our daily cycle, which accounts for approximately one-third of our lifetimes. World Sleep Day, organized by the World Association of Sleep Medicine, is held every March to highlight the importance of sleep for a healthy life and raise awareness of the impacts of sleep disorders. In Japan there is an additional day focused on sleep, with Autumn Sleep Day held every September 3rd. These two events are part of a non-continuous period called Sleep Health Week. In support of this Otsuka Pharmaceutical organizes information sessions and shares information on our website explaining the importance of internal bodily rhythms.

We know that a healthy sleep pattern is essential to feeling refreshed and having a fulfilling day, but despite this many people do not get enough sleep. There are many factors that contribute to sleep problems, such as anxiety and stress. However, recently more attention has been paid to the disruption of internal bodily rhythms.

Although we use a 24-hour cycle to measure time daily, our internal body clock cycle is actually a little longer than 24 hours. We usually reset this difference by getting some morning sunlight or by having breakfast. However, due to our modern lifestyles and an always-on society there is an increased risk for a more significant gap to develop between our internal clock and our daily routine, which can lead to an irregular sleep pattern.

A common example of this would be sleeping in on a day off to make up for a lack of sleep in the week leading up to it. However, doing this can then lead to difficulties in falling asleep the following night or waking up at the right time in the morning. This pattern of having different sleep patterns on weekdays and at the weekends causes what is known as social jet lag, with research showing that our internal body clock can be shifted by 30-45 minutes just by sleeping in on two days. Also, once the rhythm has been disrupted, it is not easy to restore it, and daytime performance may be affected due to feelings of exhaustion. The key to developing a sleep pattern that supports both mental and physical health is to take care of your internal bodily rhythms and manage the quantity and quality of your sleep.

Although the Japanese population enjoys a long, healthy life expectancy, the average time spent sleeping is extremely short compared to other countries. Furthermore, there is reportedly a substantial economic loss associated with not getting enough sleep.

To help people live active daily lives, in 2017, Otsuka developed Kenja-no-kaimin Sleep Rhythm Support (The Wise Man's Sleep Solution), to support the maintenance of bodily rhythms that improve the quality of sleep and help people wake up feeling refreshed and energized. The product was submitted to the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan for labelling as Foods with Function Claims.

Otsuka will continue to share the latest knowledge and accurate information related to sleep, while working to create original products rooted in science to further support healthy lifestyles.

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2019/20190601_vol110.html

In June 2019, Japan hosted its first G20 summit in Osaka, with a focus on the international issue of plastic waste pollution in the oceans. There, the "Osaka Blue Ocean Vision" plan was agreed upon, which aims to reduce ocean waste to zero by 2050.

In the run-up to the summit, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and the Nippon Foundation began a nationwide cleanup campaign named "Zero Ocean Refuse Week” which ran from May 30 to June 8, and in which Otsuka group employees played an active role.

The Otsuka Pharmaceutical Environmental Club, a volunteer group of Otsuka employees, collaborated with the local council to carry out cleaning activities at Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, the location where the Otsuka company was founded. Around 150 people gathered, including employees from 15 group companies and family members, farexceeding the number that participated in previous years. Together they collected 300 bags of garbage, weighing a total of approximately 1.5 tons.

Materials and posters relating to the problem of the circulation of discarded plastic waste were displayed at the venue to turnit into a hub for learning about the environment. One employee commented, "I usually only pay attention to large refuse, but if you look carefully there is a lot of small plastic waste reaching the ocean too. My awareness of ocean plastic has changed a lot."

A ten-year-old child of an Otsuka employee said, "There were so many types of rubbish on the beach, and it felt great to help make it clean again!"

A teenage participant commented, "There’s not so much I can do by myself, but I want to do my best to help, so I hope I can participate in an event like this again."

Additionally, many employees participated in the coastal cleanup event held by the Japan Soft Drink Association, of which Otsuka Pharmaceutical is a partner. Approximately 130 people from soft drink manufacturing companies, including executives from their headquarters took part.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical will continue to work on integrating environmental management into its business practices in order to help realize a sustainable future for all.

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2019/20190502_vol109.html

Otsuka received the 2019 Corporate Innovator Award from the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) at the NKF 2019 Spring Clinical Meetings in Boston during May.

The Corporate Innovator Award was established to recognize companies that advance the field of nephrology by addressing an unmet medical need, or improving upon an existing practice, therapeutic or technology. Otsuka Pharmaceutical received this award in recognition for its work in bringing JYNARQUETM (tolvaptan) to market.

Kevin Longino, the CEO of National Kidney Foundation who is also a kidney transplant recipient, noted, “The Corporate Innovator Award recognizes Otsuka’s significant contribution to improving the lives of people with ADPKD and we congratulate them on this achievement.”

The award was accepted on behalf of Otsuka by Louis Allesandrine, Vice President, Oncology and Nephrology Sales and Marketing at Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. He commented during the award presentation, “It is an honor and a privilege to accept this award on the behalf of the many people who made this possible, including patients, families, researchers, nephrologists, and Otsuka.”

In April 2018, JYNARQUETM was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first treatment to slow kidney function decline in adults at risk of rapidly progressing autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Earlier, the drug was approved for use in the EU, Japan and several other countries.

The National Kidney Foundation is the largest, most comprehensive and longstanding organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease.

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2018/20181120_vol108.html

2018 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Indonesia, and six decades of collaboration between the two countries in a variety of fields.

Otsuka has also played a part in building strong ties, with the establishment of its first operations in Indonesia dating back to 1974 when it began local distribution of intravenous supplies. Since then, the company has expanded its range to include pharmaceutical and nutritional products, and the group now operates 7 companies with approximately 4,000 employees across the country.

Indonesia’s economic growth has brought with it increased attention towards health. In seeking to provide people with a greater choice of convenient, high-quality nutritional products, Otsuka’s local affiliate, PT. Amerta Indah Otsuka (AIO), has begun the manufacture and sale of two new products.

The first of these is ORONAMIN C DRINK, a carbonated nutritional drink with a long history as a top-selling brand in Japan, where it is popular with young and old alike. At the launch event, AIO President and Director Yoshihiro Bando said, “With the launch of ORONAMIN C DRINK, we aim to offer new health benefits, and bring energy and smiles to people throughout Indonesia. "A new halal-compliant production line has been built at the company’s Sukabumi factory in West Java province, and the product went on sale in June.

The second product launched is the nutritional soy bar SOYJOY, which offers a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of soy. Sales of imported SOYJOY beganin Indonesia in 2007, and with the product having taken off, production has now begun on a new line at AIO’s Kejayan factory, dedicated to meeting local needs. The product went on sale in July of this year.

A ceremony to mark the completion of these factories was held at the Sukabumi plant. In addition to the Regent of Sukabumi and the Deputy Director of the Indonesian FDA, a total of 143 people took part. In his opening remarks, Tatsuo Higuchi, President of Otsuka Pharmaceutical, said “I am very happy to be able to celebrate this completion ceremony this year, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Indonesia. Indonesia can look forward to further economic development, and we hope to continue to contribute to the field of health care here.”

Starting with the sales of POCARISWEAT in 1989, Otsuka in Indonesia since then has focused on creating products to support people’s health and wellbeing, tailored to the culture and customs of Indonesia. With POCARI SWEAT having been widely adopted as a means of hydration in cases of dengue fever, high fever, and diarrhea, it has come to be known as a form of first aid.

In addition, when the company opened its new factory in 2010, it also established a school in the factory grounds as a part of its community activities. Operating as a communal education center, company staff provide tutoring to students living nearby the factory combining the three themes of education, the environment, and health. Its motto is “SATU HATI”, meaning “One Heart”.

Otsuka is committed to continuing to work in collaboration with the local community as it strives to contribute to the further development of the country, and the health of all its people.

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2018/20180901_vol107.html

Held every four years, the Asian Games is Asia’s largest sports event. Hosted by the Olympic Council of Asia, it is also known as the Asian Olympic Games. The 18th Asian Games was held in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang from August to September, and featured 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions.

This was the second time for Indonesia to host the Games, and the first since 1962.

With a presence in Indonesia since 1974 and having introduced POCARI SWEAT to the country in 1989, Otsuka has a long history of partnerships with the local community.

Having the opportunity to participate in such a major regional event was a highlight for all company employees involved.

Led by staff from Otsuka’s Indonesian subsidiary PT. Amerta Indah Otsuka, the Games provided a welcome opportunity for Otsuka group employees from across Asia to come together as a team to support the athletes.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical has been an official partner of the previous four Games, leveraging its research and development in physical conditioning to help enable athletes to compete at their very best. During the Games, a ‘POCARI SWEAT House’ was set up in the athlete’s village to provide participants with the popular hydration and electrolyte supplement drink, alongside the conditioning product BODYMAINTÉ. POCARI SWEAT was also made readily available at each competition venue.

In collaboration with the Japan Sport Council, Otsuka also established the POCARI SWEAT OASIS, a place where people from across Asia involved in athletic training could come together to exchange ideas, knowledge, and learn from other experts. The program also featured lectures and provided meeting spaces for various national sports organizations, as well as the sharing of the latest information on sports nutrition and conditioning.

The slogan of the Games was “Energy of Asia,” and it truly was a Games that demonstrated the vitality of the region.

Otsuka is committed to continuing to contribute to the growth and development of Asia through the development of scientifically-based products, the sharing of research findings, and participation in events such as the Asian Games.

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2018/20180519_vol106.html

Otsuka Pharmaceutical launched “Deliciously Illustrated SketchCook - A Nutritious Experiment with Google” dietary education app, which emphasizes the importance of nutritionally balanced meals.

SketchCook uses the latest AI technology to transform illustrations of meals drawn by children into digital images, and then suggests nutritionally balanced recipes and, based on guidance from certified nutritionists, food combinations that then provide a well-balanced meal.

Otsuka has long been actively involved in dietary education, conducting a study in 2011 on the relationship between breakfast quality and brain function. This demonstrated that optimal brain activity requires not simply an adequate intake of sugar, but also nutritionally balanced meals. Since then, Otsuka has been conveying to students who want to study more efficiently the importance of breakfast and nutritionally balanced meals.

Focusing on the next generation of young children on whose shoulders Japan’s future will one day rest, Otsuka developed the idea for an educational app that teaches children about meals and nutrition, while creating opportunities for communication between parents and children. This idea was then realized thanks to Google's machine learning technology and recipe data provided by Rakuten Recipe.It allows children to have fun learning about meals and nutrition through drawing pictures.

Otsuka received some very positive feedback from users who participated in the SketchCook launch event held in May, including, “My child immediately started helping me with the cooking!” and “We went shopping and made dinner together.”

In the future, Otsuka’s hope is to take SketchCook beyond the home and, in cooperation with local authorities across Japan, spread the word to the next generation of children about the importance of meals and nutrition.

SketchCook can be downloaded from the links below. (Japanese only):

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id1382197965?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.otsuka.SketchCook&hl=ja

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/company/global-topics/2018/20180426_vol105.html

Dr. William H. Carson, president and chief executive officer of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization in the U.S., was lauded as one of 2018’s Top Blacks in Healthcare honorees selected by BlackDoctor.org at their 5th annual gala on April 26, 2018.

The event, presented by BlackDoctor.org in conjunction with The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, recognizes distinguished African American healthcare professionals for their hard work, commitment and success in helping improve healthcare for all Americans.

During the two-day event, Dr. Carson was the keynote speaker at the awards gala dinner and also participated as a panelist. The always congenial Dr. Carson talked about his childhood and how his upbringing shaped his lifelong curiosity, epitomized in the one-word question he often asks himself and those around him: “Why?”

Dr. Carson also spoke about the explosive increase in health-related data and the implications for patients and healthcare practitioners alike. For example, he noted that in clinical trials for the first-ever Digital Medicine created by Otsuka and Proteus, more data, including minute-by-minute data points, were collected than in all the previous clinical trials ever conducted by Otsuka. For him, one implication is that physicians will not just know a lot about medicine but will come to know a lot more about their patients individually, ushering in the age of truly personalized medicine.

Dr. Carson’s call to action for healthcare professionals in this new era is to be caring (ensuring patient access to their data), concerned (preventing data misuse) and competent (staying up to date on, and utilizing the digitally based technology and knowledge from data).

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2018/20180605_vol104.html

Daiya Foods was founded in Vancouver, Canada in 2008 with a simple belief that plant-based living was better for people’s health, better for the planet and better for animal welfare.

It all started with the founders, Greg Blake and Andre Kroecher, trying to make plant-based cheese at home in the kitchen with a blender and a pot on the stove. Their perseverance paid off and Daiya Cheddar Style & Mozzarella Style Shreds debuted in 2009 at the Natural Products Expo West. Consumers raved and plant-based dairy innovation changed forever.

Today, Daiya is best known for its delicious plant-based cheese alternatives that melt and stretch like dairy-based cheese.
Daiya understands the social needs and craveability of these foods. Every Daiya product is plant-based, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, offering options for those with allergies or are looking to make small changes towards a plant-based diet.

Over the years, Daiya has expanded its line of craveable foods to meet a growing global demand for plant-based alternatives. They now offer products across multiple categories for every eating occasion at more than 25,000 stores in North America.

See the full story with pictures at: https://www.otsuka.co.jp/company/global-topics/

Daiya’s line of premium plant-based foods include Burritos, Frozen Dessert Bars, Coconut Yogurt Alternatives, Pizzas, Cheezecakes, Cream Cheeze Style Spreads, Dressings, Cheezy Mac, Cheeze Sauce & wonderful cheese alternatives including Blocks, Shreds, Slices and Cheeze Sticks.

Daiya is innovative, compassionate and they love food. And they feel like they are just getting started!

Now with a much larger team and passionate management, their dairy-alternative innovation accelerates as marked by their recent announcement of the highly anticipated launch of its signature products in the United Kingdom, following international success in Australia, Sweden, Mexico, Hong Kong, and more.

Otsuka welcomed the addition of Daiya to its group of companies in 2017, hoping for a passionate synergy in commitment to people’s healthier everyday all across the globe. Terry Tierney, Daiya CEO anticipates “Daiya has always had the vision of building a leading global plant-based food brand. We are excited to partner with Otsuka to help realize this vision.”

See the full story with pictures at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/global-topics/2018/20180605_vol104.html

Bill Brazell was ecstatic on April 24 upon reading a decision he has long advocated for and awaited: U.S. regulatory approval of Otsuka’s tolvaptan for use in slowing the progression of ADPKD (autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease) in patients at risk of rapid progression. ADPKD is a progressive, inherited condition in which cysts proliferate in the kidneys, often leading to kidney failure.

Having lost numerous relatives to ADPKD, and some years after being diagnosed himself, Bill realized that remaining quiet about his condition was of no help to anyone. And so he began to do everything in his power to advance awareness of ADPKD as well as the search for a first treatment and an eventual cure.

Bill’s awareness-raising has included contacting legislators, appearing on national TV and even wearing a kidney costume in the park to raise research funds for the PKD Foundation, where Bill has volunteered as a board member for nine years.

To support the advance toward an ADPKD treatment, Bill participated for over 12 years in the clinical trials for tolvaptan, which culminated in the U.S. regulatory approval on April 24. He notes, “Even the possibility of a treatment changed my life and during the trial I and the woman I love decided to marry. We now have three wonderful children, and I do worry about them, but the news of the tolvaptan approval for ADPKD provides me and my family with tremendous hope.”

See the full story with pictures at: https://www.otsuka.co.jp/company/global-topics/2018/20180125_vol102.html

On January 25, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) honoured Dr. Harren Jhoti, president & CEO of Astex, UK (an independent subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical) with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Award was presented by Dr. Jane Osbourn (BIA Chair) at a dinner attended by 700 professionals from the UK life sciences sector. Dr. Osbourne commented, “Harren’s contribution to the UK biotech sector recognises his combination of scientific and leadership skills, as well as his passion and determination to succeed. [...] He makes an active contribution to initiatives in the UK biotech sector and provides a role-model for today’s entrepreneurs.”

On receiving the award Dr. Jhoti paid tribute to the three scientist-entrepreneurs with whom he co-founded Astex in 1999, and to his team, saying, “As scientists we always hope that our discoveries will make a difference and as entrepreneurs we strive to build sustainable companies to translate those discoveries into significant new medicines for patients. At Astex we have been lucky enough to achieve both of these goals due largely to our highly talented team.” Dr. Jhoti also commented how Astex is now thriving as an independent subsidiary of the Otsuka group of companies.

At Astex, Dr. Jhoti and his current and former colleagues have made pathbreaking progress in fragment-based drug discovery, which identifies and assembles small chemical fragments to produce drug leads with strong binding affinity to biological targets.
To date, one such lead has been pursued by a drug

maker all the way through to regulatory approval in the US and EU for use in patients with a type of advanced breast cancer.

The BIA is the trade association for innovative enterprises involved in UK bioscience and the Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest accolade given by the BIA.

Sports are good for the body, mind and spirit. Participating in sports boosts self-esteem, team-work and leadership skills, and provides a channel for young people to relieve stress. Five years ago, the Korean Ministry of Education launched an initiative to encourage sports club activities in schools. In support of this initiative, Donga Otsuka, an Otsuka affiliate and manufacturer of POCARI SWEAT for the Korean market, launched a tournament intended to help young people learn the twin values of sports, through playing futsal, and mental strength, to be a hero.

On May 28, 2017, the fourth annual “FUTSAL HEROES” finals tournament was held in Seoul, South Korea. The competition saw the fourteen teams that had qualified in the preliminary rounds held in Seoul, Daejeon, Daegu and Busan compete in the finals. The finals took place at the Korea Media Center in Seoul, and drew large crowds of supporters and well-wishers to enthusiastically cheer the teams on.

This year’s winning team, Banpo Middle School from Seoul, celebrate their second consecutive win of the tournament. Speaking about the competition, one student said, “In normal life, we get a lot of stress with studying. But, participating in the futsal competition was an experience. We had a great time in preparing for the games and it was fun to take part with my friends. We are so happy to win this year again!”

Four years ago, the first tournament was held between 128 middle schools in the Korean capital of Seoul. From these beginnings, the tournament has grown year on year to include more schools from across the country. Last year, middle schools from Busan were added, and this year the tournament was expanded to include schools from Daejeon and Daegu. In the past four years, futsal teams from approximately 600 schools, totaling about seven thousand young people, have participated so far. In 2018, "FUTSAL HEROES" will be held in six major cities in South Korea.

This year also marks the 30th year since POCARI SWEAT was launched in South Korea. Donga Otsuka in participation with education departments and schools, holds briefing sessions to students on the importance of hydration. POCARI SWEAT is available in 20 countries and regions across Asia and the Middle East. It is the organizers’ hope that the tournament will expand to include teams from other Asian countries as well. Their big dream is that in the future school teams will represent their nations in an international tournament. Going forward, Otsuka Pharmaceutical and its affiliates will continue to support sports at all levels and their contribution to health to all ages.

See the full story with pictures at https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=240&date=2017-04-22

On April 22, 2017, the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation honored Otsuka Pharmaceutical for our long-standing and successful commitment to develop an innovative, first-in-class drug treatment for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and for its collaboration with the foundation.

“Working together with basic science funded by PKD Foundation and the research and development capabilities of Otsuka, tolvaptan has become the first drug approved in Japan, Canada and the European Union, hopefully this landmark drug will soon become available in the United States as well for the treatment of ADPKD. The Foundation applauds the unwavering commitment of Otsuka to bring this important new therapy to the marketplace. It is for this persistence and recognition of the unmet medical need of PKD patients in the US and worldwide that the PKD Foundation has honored Otsuka at its Gratitude dinner in San Francisco this spring”, said Andy Betts, the chief executive of the PKD Foundation.

Yoshitaka Yamamura, a researcher at Otsuka’s Tokushima Research Institute who pursued research on the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin for decades, and Frank Czerwiec, vice president of Global Clinical Development at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., who was deeply influential in initiating and steering the global development of tolvaptan for ADPKD, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

For over 20 years, Otsuka has pursued developing a treatment for ADPKD – a condition that causes cysts to proliferate in the kidneys and often results in end stage kidney disease, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. During this period, the PKD Foundation has worked side-by-side with us as advocates for disease state awareness. In addition, they have been instrumental in recruitment of participants in clinical trials and helping advance the compound through the regulatory process.

“Otsuka's purpose starts with addressing patient problems,” said Dr. Czerwiec. “In the case of ADPKD, we have built upon research initiated by highly motivated researchers inside and outside the company. In this sense, ours is a symbiotic relationship where we each achieve our goal faster through collaborative research.”

Mr. Yamamura and Dr. Czerwiec, on behalf of the company, are humbled to see Otsuka honored at this year’s Gratitude Benefit. “To share in recognition that is given to physicians and patients who fight this disease is a great honor,” Dr. Czerwiec said.

See the full story with pictures at https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=239&date=2017-03-24

On World TB Day, March 24th 2017, Otsuka Pharmaceutical in cooperation with South Africa’s Ministry of Health and a non-governmental organization called Right to Care, officially launched DCAP, a clinical access program for delamanid (DeltybaTM), a medicine developed by Otsuka for the treatment of pulmonary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

The event, organized by South Africa’s Ministry of Health and the National TB Programme, took place at the Sizwe Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. About 150 government officials, healthcare workers, TB experts, civil society representatives, and other dignitaries gathered to mark this occasion. During the ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador to South Africa, Mr. Shigeyuki Hiroki, emphasized that delamanid is an example of Japanese contributions to strengthening public health in Africa, and presented a box of delamanid to Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa’s Minister of Health.

Dr. Motsoaledi, a global champion in the fight against TB, delivered the keynote address highlighting that delamanid will be initially made available to children (ages 12-18), HIV co-infected people, and TB patients with diabetes. “We are very happy because these are key populations suffering from TB. We thank Otsuka, as they are providing us this drug, and it will be given to patients in regions with the biggest TB burden in the country”, said Dr. Motsoaledi, adding, “This day marks an important milestone in South Africa’s response to the TB epidemic.”

South Africa has one of the highest burdens of TB and HIV in the world. The two diseases are strongly interlinked, with 35% of deaths from HIV being caused by TB. Unlike HIV, TB is fully curable -- as long as there are effective medicines. However, many South Africans are infected with TB bacteria that are resistant to the first-line anti-TB therapies, which pose a grave public health emergency. In 2015, over 20,000 people were diagnosed with drug-resistant TB. Through this access programme, Otsuka aims to provide an additional treatment option for some of these difficult to treat patients. The experiences from this programme will help provide programmatic evidence on how delamanid can be effectively implemented within South Africa.

Working with committed partners, Otsuka is balancing two priorities: the need for urgent access and for antimicrobial stewardship necessary to prevent the emergence of further drug resistance. In this way, Otsuka is delivering innovative solutions to address unmet medical needs.

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=238&date=2017-03-07

Every year since 2000, Astex employees and their families have taken part in the Light The Night of East Bay event in Walnut Creek in Northern California to raise much needed funds and awareness to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). The LLS, founded in 1949, is the largest voluntary organization in the US dedicated to research, finding cures and ensuring access to treatment for blood cancer patients. In 1964 the survival rate for childhood leukemia was just 3%, now thanks in part to research, funding, and better support for patients from the society the survival rate is 91%. Since its inception, the society has contributed over $1billion towards improving the lives and outcomes for blood cancer patients.

Light The Night draws nearly one million participants over the year to join one of LLS’s 160+ evening events across the US. Participants walk the course holding illuminated lanterns in three colours: white lanterns are carried by patients and survivors; red lanterns by supporters; gold by participants who are walking in memory of a loved one. In speaking about Light The Night, the East Bay Campaign Director for LLS, Andrea Orozco said, “When LLS walks, cancer runs”.

Last year, Astex employees raised $44,393 for LLS through fund raising events and the Astex

   corporate match program. 57 employees from Team Astex and their family members joined the event to raise awareness for blood cancers. To date, Astex and its employees have contributed in excess of $465,000 to LLS activities such as Light The Night, Patient Assistance Programs, and educational events and grants. In addition, an Astex employee has served on the local board or was a member of the LLS organizing committee for the past 15 years.

In recognition of their efforts, executives and staff members of Astex received awards from the society, including one for being the top corporate fundraising team and one for the most money raised by an individual. To Astex these activities are more than about raising money for the society, as the President and Chief Medical Officer of Astex, Mohammad Azab explains, “Every employee at Astex is deeply committed to the search for a cure to blood cancers and we are proud to support the mission of the LLS in improving the lives of patients and their families”.

Otsuka affiliate Astex is a leader in innovative drug discovery and development. The company is committed to the fight against cancer as well as disorders of the central nervous system. Find out more about Astex at www.astx.com

See the full story with pictures at https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/

Otsuka Group member Nutrition & Santé, a leading manufacturer of dietetic products including slimming and sports foods, won the 2017 Inaugural Grand Prix Award from the French National Association of Food Industries (ANIA) and EY *1 at an award ceremony held on January 18th.

The prize rewards French food industry companies for their growth in France or overseas, for job creation, and for their commitment to social responsibility initiatives. Nutrition & Santé was selected from a shortlist of 17 companies by an independent jury.

For almost half a century, Nutrition & Santé has developed, produced and sold healthy and tasty food products to consumers in France and in over 40 countries across the globe. The company maintains around thirty brands in segments such as dietetics 2, organic and alternative foods 3, slimming nutrition 4, and sports nutrition 5.

The award recognizes Nutrition & Santé’s achievements in growth (an increase of 16% from the previous year), in expanding sales overseas, and their commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices such as complying to international standards, procuring raw materials and reducing waste. The award also recognized efforts in innovation, such as meat analogue products that have the same taste, texture, and shape as meat.

Speaking on accepting the award, Nutrition & Santé CEO Didier Suberbielle said, “We are very proud to receive this prize, which rewards the growth made by the company over the past few years, and in particular in 2016 with the acquisition of Bicentury. We regularly hire new employees. Over the last 5 years, our French workforce has grown by 20%, and we now employ more than 1000 people and 1800 worldwide. Since 2010 we officially committed in a CSR policy and consider it to be a strong axis for the future ... be profitable, human and sustainable, that is our company vision.”

For more information on Nutrition & Santé, visit https://www.nutritionetsante.com/en/

1 EY= Ernst & Young Global Limited
2 Brands Gerblé / Céréal, Allergo, Valpiform
3 Brands Céréal Bio, Soy, Céréalpes, Natursoy, Plant Steakhouse 4 Brands Gerlinéa, Milical, Modifast, Pesoforma, Bicentury
*5 Brand Isostar

See the full story with pictures at https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/

In September of 2016, Otsuka Pharmaceutical and RIKEN opened the RIKEN CDB-Otsuka Pharmaceutical Collaboration Center (COCC) inside the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology (RIKEN CDB), which is located in the city of Kobe. The COCC will be involved in collaborative developmental biology and regenerative medicine research projects with the goal of investigating disease mechanisms and discovering new

drugs and therapeutic applications. The purpose of the COCC is not only to make new discoveries through such collaborative research projects, but also to train the next generation of scientists by hosting joint seminars and offering opportunities for personnel exchange.

In connection with the opening of the COCC, the first steering committee meeting was held on September 6 at Otsuka in Tokushima to discuss the Center’s plans for collaborative research, information exchange, and personnel exchange. The RIKEN CDB Director, Hiroshi Hamada, M.D., Ph.D., presented a brief

overview of RIKEN and the research in which it has been involved, and the RIKEN CDB Team Leader, Minoru Takasato, Ph.D., gave a presentation on kidney regeneration research using human-derived cells, which led to an animated discussion with Otsuka researchers.

RIKEN CDB is a world-class research institution for basic research in the field of developmental biology and regenerative medicine. RIKEN has recently become known for its participation in the first clinical research in the world on the use of iPS cells in age-related macular degeneration, which has become an increasingly common cause of blindness in recent years.

The COCC will be involved in joint research projects aimed at developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and kidney diseases, which have been important areas of research for Otsuka.

Read the full story with photos at:

http://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/

Otsuka Pharmaceutical and NEC Corporation have partnered to jointly develop a smart medicine container that will help ensure that patients do not forget to take their daily dose of anti-stroke medication. Otsuka has experience with patients who have suffered one or more strokes through its involvement in the research, development and marketing of blood-thinning drugs, and NEC has many years of experience in miniaturized wearable technologies, sensing technologies, and human-centered design. The combination of two companies’ abilities should therefore make it possible to develop a smart medicine container that will be easy for patients to use.

 This container will use a flashing LED light to inform patients that it is time to take their medication. When a patient removes a pill from the container, the time will be recorded in the container’s memory. The container is also equipped with an Internet-of-Things-type function for transmitting

   this information to smart phones or tablet devices so that the patient and/or the patient’s family will be able to monitor the patient’s pill ingestion, and also so that pharmacists will be able to use this information when giving the patient instructions on the proper use of the medication.

The daily use of blood-thinning drugs is critical for the prevention of stroke recurrence. However, there have been reports of treatment adherence as low as 50% within half a year of starting treatment because patients forget to take their medication or stop doing so without their physician’s consultation. Antiplatelet treatment maintenance is therefore a significant issue.

Read the full story with pictures at https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1004_01.html

In support of 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, the official drink POCARI SWEAT was provided to 46 stadiums including Incheon Asiad Main Stadium for players. 15,000 players and staff from 45 Asian countries participated in the competition, and POCARI SWEAT united Asia's diverse cultures into one.

To support this event, Dong-A Otsuka mobilized nearly all its staff to support athletes’ rehydration by providing POCARI SWEAT on site. They also managed various fun filled POCARI SWEAT activity booths across the venues, such as history zone, sampling zone and sports experience zone.

POCARI SWEAT also became the official drink for Indonesian athletes this year.

POCARI SWEAT provided Indonesian athletes with development funds, uniforms for the Indonesian contingent for Asian Games 2014 and SEA Games 2015 and invited sport science experts to educate the coaches of Indonesian Athletes.

This partnership between National Sports Committee of Indonesia (known as KONI) and PT. Amerta Indah Otsuka will run for five years. “We will be consistent in doing these activities as an effort to support the Indonesian sports achievements” said Mr. Yoshihiro Bando, President Director of PT. Amerta Indah Otsuka.

In addition to providing support for top athletes, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals was also involved in activities to nurture the next generation of athletes and promote the culture of sports.

Children from Japan and South Korea participated in this program in which 11 elementary school athletes from Iwate Prefecture in Japan’s Tohoku region was chosen to experience the world-class atmosphere of Asia’s largest sports event.

Read the full story with pictures at http://www.otsuka.co.jp/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=234&date=2016-08-06

Otsuka Sims (Guangdong) Beverage Co., Ltd. has been sponsoring the annual POCARI SWEAT 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament since 2006. The aim of the tournament, in which teams of 3 compete, is to encourage consumers to develop and maintain healthier bodies through exercise and good hydration habits.

At the start of each summer's team recruitment drive, basketball fans from many regions of China, including Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, have come to Foshan to participate in the POCARI SWEAT Battle of the City Heroes. The POCARI SWEAT 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament has developed a strong reputation and become recognized and respected among the sporting community.

Compared to last year, this year's tournament added 2 more divisions totaling 8: Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Dongguan, Jiangmen, Foshan and Huizhou. Also this year, the number of cities holding competitions increased to 8, the number of teams increased from 600 to 912, nearly one thousand athletes increased adding up to 3,648, and the number of spectators increased from 7,000 to about 9,000.

Each year, the previous year’s champion team is invited to appear in the tournament poster.

This year’s media coverage has included the Shenzhen Entertainment channel, Jiangmen Xinhui channel, Huizhou news channel, Guangzhou TV news channel, which will report on and broadcast the competitions in their respective cities.

The company has been hosting this tournament for 11 years. During this period, it has broadened publicity for POCARI SWEAT and heightened consumers’ interest and understanding of the product. The tournament has increased the public's faith in and goodwill toward Otsuka and established in the minds of consumers a brand image for POCARI SWEAT as a new awareness of ion supply drink.

Watch the video of this award-winning tool at:

http://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=233&date=2016-08-24

A portion of our activities dedicated to reducing bias among the general public about nerve and mental diseases has won the Bronze for the Pharma category of Lions Health at the 63rd Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the most prestigious international award for creativity.

The activity which was awarded the Bronze uses the booklet “Connect Pen & Notebook” as a way to raise awareness of diseases. The product was designed and produced by TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.

The booklet conveys that nerve and mental diseases, similar to some other diseases, are organ diseases affecting the brain and are caused by malfunctions in the interconnections in the brain.

The pen captures the general public’s interest and encourages them to read the booklet contents. It does this by connecting electric circuits in the booklet to mimic the connections in the brain. LED lights are thereby lit by drawing with the pen, which uses ink that conducts electricity.

Part of the circuits were hand-made by patients who aspire to be employed. This tool is used in university courses related to healthcare and has resulted in students having improved understanding about, and impressions toward, these diseases.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical will continue to carry out activities to dispel negative images of diseases by deepening awareness of them.

Read the full story with photos at http://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=232&date=2016-07-14

Otsuka Pharmaceutical participated in the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund as an associate partner on June 7th, 2016. GHIT Fund was established in April 2013 as the world’s first product development fund specialized in Global Health through partnerships with the public (i.e. Japanese government), private, and civil sectors (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, etc.).

GHIT Fund contributes funds to research and development of pharmaceuticals or diagnostic products, etc. targeting the three major infectious diseases, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria; and neglected tropical diseases mainly prevalent in developing nations through utilization of the high standard technologies and innovations created in Japan.

In 3 years, over 60 projects were approved and over US$60 million has been invested. Of these projects, 7 have proceeded into the clinical development stages. It was announced during the G7 Ise-Shima Summit that an additional 130 million dollars would be invested to this foundation as a commitment of the Japanese government to global health.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical has challenged to overcome difficult global health problems and have been devoted to developing original, innovative products aimed at solving unmet medical needs. Given its long-term commitment, R&D investment, of over 30 years in the field of tuberculosis, it has successfully created a new anti-tuberculosis agent, delamanid, for the first time in approximately half a century. Our participation in GHIT Fund is anticipated to be highly valued as a further effort for our company in global health.

Earlier this year, Otsuka Pharmaceutical co-sponsored the 3rd Nikkei Asian Conference on Communicable Disease held in Tokyo.

A discussion on the theme “Japanese initiatives through new public and private cooperation” was held on cooperation between government and private sectors in regards to global expansion especially in Asia of Japanese technology conducive to managing infectious diseases.

Masuhiro Yoshitake, the Global Project Leader of TB Projects from Otsuka Pharmaceutical, presented the approval application status of delamanid, in each country and reported that cooperation between government and private sectors are essential within the international framework for global expansion of delamanid.

At the end of the conference, Dr. Shigeru Omi, Regional Director Emeritus for the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region, gave a summary “Tokyo Infectious Disease Statement 2016” in regards to recommendations based on this conference and challenges for the next year. He agreed that this will lead to future activities in both Japan and overseas.

Through participation in this conference, our company has been made aware of greater need for cooperation between government and private sectors in order to deliver our company’s creation, delamanid, to patients.

Originally published at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=232&date=2016-06-07

Read the full story with photos at:

http://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=230&date=2016-06-10

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. hosted a special screening of the first-ever documentary film on living with PseudoBulbar affect (PBA), “Beyond Laughter and Tears, A Journey of Hope”, during the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual meeting in Atlanta on May 16, 2016.

The documentary was created by Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an Otsuka subsidiary, in order to “shine a spotlight on PBA and the vast community it impacts, hopefully creating a greater awareness of PBA that may inspire people who suffer from this condition or their loved ones to seek help,” according to the website devoted to the film, www.pbafilm.com

PBA is a neurologic condition characterized by uncontrollable, sudden outbursts of crying and/or laughing that don’t match what a person is feeling on the inside. Approximately 2 million Americans may suffer from PBA.

PBA occurs when certain neurologic conditions or brain injuries damage areas of the brain involved in crying and/or laughing. Because PBA is a prevalent, yet under-recognized and undertreated condition, Avanir is bringing together the mental health community to raise awareness of PBA and how it affects patients’ lives.

Beyond Laughter and Tears is the first documentary film to examine the daily struggle of Americans who live with PBA. It chronicles the lives of six people dealing with PBA, a secondary condition prevalent among people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury, stroke or certain other diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. To the six cast members, finally getting a diagnosis meant so much to them. Each of them talked about wanting to help others with PBA because they had so much trouble getting a diagnosis themselves.

See the full story with photos at

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=229&date=2016-04-21

Mr. Bob Oliver, president & CEO of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., (OAPI), served as the keynote speaker and honoree at the 3rd Annual Top Blacks in Healthcare Awards Gala held in spring this year in Baltimore.

The Gala, hosted by BlackDoctor.org, a leading online health destination for African Americans, and the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, is held each year to honor and recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to health and medicine.

"BlackDoctor.org's Top Blacks in Healthcare is a very important event in the Black community because it gives us a chance to recognize African-Americans who have achieved a high level of success and understand the importance of reaching back to serve as positive role models for others,” said Mr. Reggie Ware, CEO, BlackDoctor.org.

One person who couldn’t agree more was Mr. Oliver’s son, who greeted his father with a hug as he left the stage and whispered, “Dad, you did awesome!” And the audience agreed.

Mr. Oliver, who has worked at OAPI since 2010 said, “I am honored to be a part of such an esteemed group working collectively to address healthcare disparity in America - a growing and costly problem that has surpassed US $30 billion in preventable cost per year. We must solve together. I am equally proud of Otsuka - people who embrace diversity, hire and develop talent, and strive earnestly every day to create healthier communities around the world.”

During his tenure at OAPI, Mr. Oliver and his teams have been instrumental in introducing a diverse portfolio of marketed products, and helping to guide the development of pipeline products, across the neuroscience, oncology, and medical device markets. Mr. Oliver is also passionate about education, and served as chairman of the board for Eastern University Charter Academy School in the state of Pennsylvania, ensuring educational opportunities are provided to at-risk children.

Read the original article with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=227&date=2016-04-20

The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology awarded Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. two commendations for Science and Technology in Tokyo, Japan.

One of the prizes for Science and Technology, in the Development Category, was for the research and development of delamanid. It is an effective treatment for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. The other prize was for the development of tolvaptan, an antagonist of the vasopressin V2 receptor.

The commendations were presented in late spring in a ceremony held in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology.

Each year, 9.6 million people are newly infected by tuberculosis (TB). Of these cases, 480,000 patients develop multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). And in that group, 22% develop extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). There have been no new anti-TB drugs developed since the introduction of rifampicin over forty years ago.

Senior director of the Pharmaceutical Business Division, Mr. Makoto Matsumoto, Ph.D., said, “Delamanid was approved as a new drug for the first time in approximately 40 years. However, many besides those being awarded this time contributed their efforts and cooperation during the approval process, which took over 20 years.”

He continued to thank, “all those who were involved from the discovery and development of delamanid to the approval of the drug. Otsuka will continue its efforts to increase the number of patients using the drug, and will continue contributing to tuberculosis treatment worldwide.”

Delamanid was approved in Japan, Europe, and Korea in 2014. The commendation was awarded to delamanid for its contribution to the medical care of TB, by addressing the pressing need for new effective treatments to the increasing occurrence of MDR-TB.

A doctor looking for a drug that helped his patients excrete only water unlike other diuretics inspired Otsuka Pharmaceutical to start researching for an agent to do just that.

It was discovered that this vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist may hinder the proliferation and enlargement of the cysts in the hereditary disease Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD).

Otsuka subsequently played a pivotal role in the clinical development of tolvaptan for ADPKD, and it is presently the only treatment option known to delay the long-term progression of ADPKD.

“I heard that this award commemorates ‘people’ who make achievements, and I am deeply moved by the fact that my life’s work involving the discovery and development of tolvaptan, which I spent 30 years on, has been recognized,” said Mr. Yoshitaka Yamamura, senior director of the Pharmaceutical Business Division.

“The ‘rugged’ drug discovery we started from scratch is now contributing to patients daily, and I am sincerely proud of that fact. I hope that new drug discoveries will be made for drugs that ‘originate in Tokushima and are the world’s first’.”

The commendation was awarded to tolvaptan for its contribution to the medical fields of heart failure and liver cirrhosis, as an agent with a new mode of action of water diuresis, as well as the only treatment option known to delay the long-term progression of ADPKD.

Read the full article with photos at

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=226&date=2016-04-19

Otsuka and the Stop TB Partnership’s Global Drug Facility (GDF) announced a worldwide access plan for delamanid, one of only two medications approved to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the last 40 years.

The GDF is the largest supplier of quality assured TB treatments in the public sector, which gives it a unique position to catalyse uptake and expedite access to patients living in countries where TB medications are urgently needed. Launched in 2001 by the World Health Organization (WHO), the GDF was created out of a need to build an efficient system of procurement and distribution of high-quality TB drugs. Apart from procurement, the GDF provides a unique package of services, including technical assistance in TB treatment management and monitoring of TB drug use.

This innovative partnership with Otsuka opens access to over 100 low- and middle-income countries that are eligible for financing through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria and that follow WHO guidelines for the proper management of MDR-TB. As part of this partnership, GDF will also include delamanid in their Strategic Rotating Stockpile to ensure treatments get to people in need as quickly as possible. Apart from establishing a formalized partnership that ensures the supply of delamanid, Otsuka and GDF will work together to support communities with education, training, technical assistance, and TB advocacy activities.

Access to a reliable supply of high quality drugs is of great importance, as patients can develop TB drug resistance as a result of poor quality drugs and unreliable supply channels. Widespread drug resistance complicates and lengthens treatment, and as the disease is airborne just like other types of TB, it poses a major public health risk. Nearly half a million people each year develop MDR-TB and of those diagnosed and enrolled in treatment, only 50% are successfully treated.

This partnership is a key component of Otsuka’s wider strategy called the “FightTBack” initiative to scale up programmatic use of delamanid and fight TB through innovative R&D, ensuring responsible access to patients, optimizing patient management, and collaborative capacity building.

In line with its philosophy of addressing unmet medical needs, Otsuka is currently testing the first-ever pediatric MDR-TB formulation. Otsuka is continuing its research into innovative ways to fight TB, including development of mobile health technology for patients to receive treatment reminders on their smart phones and involvement in multiple research partnerships looking at shorter, more efficient and more patient-friendly ways to fight MDR-TB.

Read the full article with photos at

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2015/0220_01.html

The Otsuka Museum of Art hosted the sixth Sistine Kabuki production – Yuriwaka Daijin: Ulysses – for 3 days, beginning on February 20, with two performances each day. As has been the case in past years, tickets sold out almost as soon as they went on sale. The performances were attended by 2800 persons from across Japan.

Incorporating Technology in Kabuki
The stage for this year's production was set up in the style of an arena, with elevated walkways leading off in all four directions. The stage was lit in various colors using blue light LED technology, made famous recently as the invention that received the Nobel Prize in physics last year. This year's performance was notable for the singing and dancing elements, which are not usually seen in kabuki, and for the use of slang words in the spoken dialogue, which drew cheers from the audience.

"Sistine Kabuki" productions are based on the themes of Japanese-Western collaboration and the creation of innovative kabuki theater. The current production – Yuriwaka Daijin: Ulysses – is a completely new work, a fusion of Greek mythology and traditional kabuki theater based on the tale of Yuriwaka Daijin, which is considered an ancient Japanese retelling of the Odyssey, the epic poem attributed to Homer.

Kazuo Mizuguchi returned as producer and director, and Kanjuuro Fujima returned as choreographer, and they collaborated with the Chinese opera performer Zhang Chunxiang to create a kabuki performance with musical accompaniment that incorporated both kabuki movements and Chinese opera-style percussion instruments. The presence of Yuuga Yamato, a former star of the Takarazuka Review theater troupe in Japan, playing two roles, one Eastern and one Western, was also a topic of great interest.

The protagonist, Yuriwaka Daijin, was played by Ainosuke Kataoka, making his fourth appearance in a row in Sistine Kabuki performances, and the roles of Princess Tachibana and the goddess Calypso were both played by Yuuga Yamato, making her first appearance. The roles of Takahime (the Spirit of the Hawk) and Hidetora's older sister Matsugae were both played by Kichiya Kamimura, who has appeared in Sistine Kabuki performances since their inception, and the role of Hidetora Ichiro was played by Tanenosuke Nakamura.

After the first performance, Ainosuke Kataoka said "I have sung in Sistine Kabuki productions before, but this year I was nervous singing because of Ms. Yamato's presence," and Yuuga Yamato said that "I had thought that only men appeared in kabuki, and I had played male roles before when I was with Takarazuka, but I was really grateful for the opportunity to appear in a kabuki production."

Read the full story with photos at

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=225&date=2015-12-21

Dr. Gregory Fox from Sydney, Australia was presented the Young Innovator in Tuberculosis Research Award sponsored by Otsuka during the 46th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cape Town, South Africa in December 2015.

Dr. Fox is an Australian respiratory physician and recipient of the CJ Martin Fellowship from the Australian Government. His research focuses on TB case-finding and multidrug-resistant TB in high-burden settings. Dr. Fox was the foundation country director of the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Vietnam from 2009 to 2013. During that period, in partnership with the Vietnam National TB Program, he implemented a randomized controlled trial (the ACT2 study), screening over 25,000 people for TB.

The project was innovative in its use of randomized controlled trial methodology and electronic tools that were developed especially for the trial and are scalable. Additionally, the project demonstrated the feasibility of centrally coordinated tracing of everyone who has come in contact with a person diagnosed with TB. Currently, Dr. Fox is an investigator on several ongoing public health and clinical studies of TB screening and prevention in Vietnam. He also works as a respiratory physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia.

The Young Innovator in TB Research Award was established through a global partnership between Otsuka Pharmaceutical and The Union. The award is administered by The Union with a grant provided by Otsuka. Award recipients are selected by a panel of experts organised independently by The Union.

The purpose of the award is to stimulate the advancement of innovative approaches in TB control and patient care. The award is open to young clinicians who have documented achievements in the formulation and implementation of clinical and operational research in the field of TB or multidrug-resistant TB.

Read the full story with photos at https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=224&date=2015-08-30

On the final day of the 15th IAAF World Championships held in Beijing, Mai Ito from the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Track & Field Team ran for Japan in the Women’s Marathon. Although the final day was cloudy compared to the blazing weather throughout the games, Ms. Ito ran confidently in hot conditions and finished first among all Japanese runners, earning her the right to run in the 2016 Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ms. Ito focused on training and overcame harsh conditions in preparation for her second time competing in the World Championships. For this marathon, she concentrated on strengthening her muscles, with particular focus on training her lower body by performing squats with weights – a workout that she endured even after suffering a stress fracture in her foot.

Paying close attention to everyday diet and hydration prior to the competition was another factor contributing to her strong performance. She consumed more protein and carbohydrates, chose jellied food if she felt that this was a better choice for her digestion, and took amino acid supplements in addition to her meals to counter fatigue.

Careful hydration before and during running is just as important as daily diet. Ms. Ito chose ion supply drinks with optimum amounts of sugars to prevent dehydration throughout and to support her spurt in the latter part of her run.She was careful about hydration during training and at competitions, and the results of her daily adjustments were obvious from her performance at the marathon beyond the 30 kilometers point. While many runners down-paced by trying to catch up with the fastest spurting group, Ms. Ito’s determined run earned her a ticket to the upcoming Olympics after she finished 7th, the highest among Japanese runners.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Track & Field Team’s athletes receive physical training and instructions on diet & hydration from instructors, coaches and a dietitian, all with a scientific approach tailored to each athlete’s physical features and conditions.

“It is crucial that each of our athletes recognize the science behind the various support they receive during their training and apply it towards international competitions,” commented Mr. Tadasu Kawano, Team Coach. “Ms. Ito is an ideal role model for other team members. She understands the data very well. Her physical abilities may be compared unfavorably with Western and African competitors, but her perseverance will surely lead her through the competition for medals.”

Ms. Ito joined Otsuka’s Track & Field Team, envisioning becoming a world-class athlete after she started running during her high school years. During the daytime away from track & field, Ms. Ito plays an important role in quality assurance at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc., and she finds pleasure in contributing to the wellbeing of people and patients around the world. “You can find many world-class athletes on the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Track & Field Team. We have an environment here that supports international competition,” says Ms. Ito. “I anticipated the Beijing World Championships race would be held in hot and harsh conditions, so I concentrated on not dragging fatigue after my rehearsals. I communicated actively with the staff members supporting me, to make sure my condition was monitored from all angles. What I have experienced during training for this marathon is an asset, and it will most certainly help me in conditioning towards the Rio de Janeiro Olympics to bring out the best performance of my career and to run in the top tier.”

On August 30, the same day that Mai Ito confirmed her place at the Olympics, a younger athlete from Otsuka’s team made a bright debut in Japan. Yui Okada, who joined Otsuka 4 years ago, championed in her very first full marathon in Hokkaido.

This was her second victory following a winning run in a half marathon, also her first time competing at that distance. “If there is anything I am uncertain of, I ask. I ask my teammates and dietitian what I should be doing to take care of myself. At Otsuka, I get the support I need to improve myself,” says the young debutante.

Otsuka’s younger generation athletes are striving for world-class results, and Otsuka Track & Field Team is proud of supporting promising young athletes through its vast knowledge and experience of wellbeing.

Read the full article with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=220&date=2015-05-21

In ‘the city of sizzling woks’ with over 12,000 restaurants to dine at, you cannot avoid the scrumptious cooking aromas at any street corner. Hong Kong is a world-renowned gourmet paradise for its creative East-meets-West culinary delicacies, and for the accessibility there to imported foods from around the world. Some of the culinary pleasures of being in Hong Kong are exemplified by being able to relish a Cantonese breakfast and Mediterranean lunch, indulge in a treat with British-style afternoon tea, feast on French full course dinner followed by a midnight snack with Japanese munchies, all in one day.

Worrying about sugar and fat intake is the last thing you would want to do while enjoying your epicurean adventure in Hong Kong, which is why Otsuka’s first overseas launch of Kenja-no-shokutaku (The Wise Man’s Dining) Double Support in Hong Kong offers health-conscious gourmets a new option to curb absorption of sugar and lipids from deluxe diet, and thereby reducing the rise in blood glucose levels and triglycerides after meals. It comes in flavorless, odorless powder form which can be dissolved in any mealtime beverages or soup without affecting their flavor.(More product details in Chinese can be read here at a local website: www.wisemansdining.hk) Today, as more than a third of Hong Kong’s residents are classified overweight or obese, consumers are seeking out healthier foods and beverages to use on a daily basis, which accounts for the rapid expansion of the city’s diet-oriented foods market. Higher health awareness also influence people to choose functional products, such as sports and energy drinks, to promote a more active lifestyle as a way to avoid weight gain. In the spring of 2015, Otsuka launched two more nutraceutical products in Hong Kong, which were presented at a media event held in late May, featuring actress Ms. Myolie Wu, and an internationally active dietitian, Ms. Mylene Khoo, both whom are well known icons of well-being. RONAMIN C drink is one of the three items launched and it marks its 50th year anniversary back in Japan where it originates. At the event, Ms. Myolie Wu expressed how happy she was to be able to enjoy the made-in-Japan ORONAMIN C again in her homeland, which she was fond of during her residence in Japan. The 120ml flavorful carbonated drink fortified with the vitamin C equivalent of 11 lemons, vitamin B-complex and other nutritional elements, has been refreshing and energizing people of all ages for half a century. (Energizing tips of ORONAMIN C in Chinese can be read here at a local website: www.oronaminc.hk)

A perennial taste combo favorite, ‘Almond & Chocolate’ flavor, joined the SOYJOY line-up in Hong Kong. Chewy baked bar SOYJOY is made from 100% soybean flour and contains no wheat. The passionate team from Otsuka Pharmaceutical in Hong Kong will continue awareness building campaigns of the benefits of including low glycemic index foods in healthy diets, through the marketing of SOYJOY in various fruit and nut. (For more information on Low Glycemic Index, a numerical indication of how much your blood glucose level rises after a meal, visit our English webpage “Everything You Need to Know about GI”. Local SOYJOY product information in Chinese can be read here: www.soyjoy.hk)

The recent splashy debuts of Otsuka’s nutraceutical products demonstrate how the company’s belief in innovating nutritional products with scientific backing is taking root in Hong Kong. With almost two decades of experience in the city with pharmaceutical business too and therefore a strong presence in the local medical industry, Otsuka is hoping to touch the heartstrings of many more health conscious people in Hong Kong.

Read the full article with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=217&date=2015-04-05

Otsuka is proud to be the lead supporter of the National Conference of State Societies’ (NCSS) 67th Cherry Blossom Festival events, including their flagship Cherry Blossom Princess Program. Otsuka has pledged its recurring support to the NCSS Cherry Blossom Events for three consecutive years, to demonstrate the company’s commitment to empowering young women to aspire to accomplish their goals and become the leaders of the next generation.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Washington, DC each spring, commemorating the gift of the cherry blossom trees, which symbolizes the friendship between the peoples of the United States and Japan. The cherry trees were first gifted to Washington, DC in 1912 from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo. 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ reciprocal gift of flowering dogwood trees to the people of Japan. For Otsuka, as a Japanese company with operations in the United States, supporting an event that commemorates this enduring friendship is especially appropriate. William M. Christian, the President of NCSS complimented Otsuka, noting, “NCSS is proud to have continuously administered the Cherry Blossom Princess program, including the US Cherry Blossom Queen, since 1948. We are particularly grateful for the support of our chief sponsor, Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals, Inc. With our shared ties to the Japanese culture, Otsuka is a natural partner for the NCSS, and this collaboration portends the continued success of our iconic program of empowering young women and promoting cultural exchange."

The Cherry Blossom Princess Program has been held annually since 1948, with the mission of “Aspiring Leadership and Empowering Young Women.” The program offers young women from across the US and around the world the opportunity to participate in community outreach, personal development, educational, leadership, cultural and networking activities. Otsuka’s support to the NCSS’ Cherry Blossom Festival events inspires the many activities for the Princesses, which promote personal growth and foster leadership. Former Cherry Blossom Princesses include US Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, US Senator Shelley Moore Caputo of West Virginia, and Lynda Johnson Robb, the former First Lady of Virginia and daughter of former US President Lyndon B. Johnson. These accomplished women are a testament to the program’s success in encouraging young women to achieve the highest caliber of success.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2015/0311_01.html

Ms. Mai Ito, a member of the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Track & Field Team, has been selected to represent Japan in the women’s marathon event at the 15th IAAF World Championships in Athletics to be held in Beijing.
The marathon will be on August 30, 2015. This will be her second time to compete in the World Championships in Athletics, after participating in the 2011 competition.

Top 2 in Nagoya Women’s Marathon paved the way At the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, a qualifying event for Japan’s national team going to the IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Ms. Ito finished with a personal best time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, 42 seconds.

Despite this excellent result Ms. Ito said, “Not achieving my goal of placing first among the Japanese runners was frustrating.” At the World Championships in Athletics, she is aiming to be the best runner from Japan, and after that, to make a mark on the world stage.

“To accomplish that, I want to properly build on my training starting now, so I can give it my all at the World Championships,” she said, expressing her aspirations going forward.

Mai Ito’s journey to being selected for the World Championships Being highly ambitious and training for competitions based on a scientific approach is a key feature of the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Track & Field Team. Upon hearing that Ms. Mai Ito would compete in the World Championships in Athletics as she had hoped, team coach Mr. Tadasu Kawano commended her: “She is an athlete who always aspires to go higher, and is keenly aware of what it takes to compete—that attitude is her strength.”

Ms. Ito ordinarily works at the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, where she is involved in quality control procedures. Her main duties include handling documents and inspecting product appearance. As an employee of a pharmaceutical company, Ms. Ito has an important role in ensuring that high-quality products are provided to patients and consumers who care about maintaining good health.

Regarding the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Track & Field Team she said, “I can train for competitions with a lot of motivation because the team provides me with an environment that helps me become stronger.” The team helps Ms. Ito perform at her best by managing her physical condition based on various kinds of data and by making use of scientifically-based products.

25 Years of Track & Field Team History The Otsuka Pharmaceutical Track & Field Team was founded in 1990. As a basic principle, it strives to develop athletes so they can succeed not only in Japan but also internationally. As of April 2015, it consists of a men’s team of 17 athletes (including the team coach, who is also a member), a women’s team of 10 members, and a staff of eight. It is based in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, which is the birthplace of the Otsuka Group.

In the past, the team’s members have competed in international tournaments, including some of the world’s most competitive marathons. In Japan, the members of the men’s team regularly participate in the country’s premiere running events, such as the New Year Ekiden, while members of the women’s team compete in long-distance events like relays and race walking.

Read the full story with photos at:

http://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=221&date=2015-08-13

Otsuka Australia Pharmaceutical (OAP) opened its first Australian office in Sydney in April, 2015.

Kangaroos & koalas, the Great Barrier Reef and shiraz wine are some of the more familiar images of Australia to people elsewhere in the world, but there is much more in this continental country of more than 23 million people. Australia is home to world class science, and a collaborative research environment that has made life sciences one of the biggest and most rapidly evolving industry. Like other developed countries, Australia’s population is gradually aging and experiencing a rise in chronic illnesses, including mental disorders. These were some of the factors that led Otsuka to put down stakes in Australia for the long term. Otsuka is seeking to apply constructive approaches to these challenges, to meet the unsatisfied health needs in Australia and neighboring countries.

How Otsuka’s direct presence in Australia will make a difference Rather than being bound by industry customs and trying to compete head-to-head with everyone else, Otsuka has consistently drawn on original thinking.

OAP has started its operation with a focus on central nervous system disorders – an area which includes conditions such as schizophrenia, where patients in Australia await better treatments. Nick Malik, Sales and Marketing Manager, CNS portfolio noted, “Schizophrenia and other mental illnesses continue to be a burden on too many Australian families. Otsuka is a leading firm in the challenging area of mental health, and our experienced and dedicated team at OAP, together with our alliance partner Lundbeck, are eager to help improve the lives of people with mental illness in Australia.”

The head office is in Chatswood, an area in proximity to the beautiful beaches of Sydney’s north coast, and the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. In keeping with Otsuka's heritage, employees have been learning Japanese and embracing the subtle cultural and business differences. It goes without saying the team enjoys Japanese cuisine at every opportunity.

“We are proud to become part of the healthcare community here in Australia and beyond in Oceania.” says Masamitsu Kitada, Managing Director of OAP. “Otsuka’s presence aligns the company’s extensive global experiences with the rich and diverse local cultures and customs in Australia. With dream and passion, our mission is to deliver better treatments and outcomes to patients in the region through Otsuka’s original and innovative products.”

Read the full story with photos at:

Otsuka working Towards Overcoming Tuberculosis On March 24th – World TB Day – we are reminded of the 9 million people who become infected with tuberculosis (TB) every year, their challenges and their hope for cure. We at Otsuka remember this every day.

It is the driving force behind our commitment to discovering new tools to eliminate TB in our lifetime. As the world’s leading private investor in TB research and development, it has been our goal for the past 40 years to find new, effective solutions to eliminating this disease that claims 1.5 million lives a year.

We know that TB can affect anyone, anywhere in the world. That is why this year, we focus on those who are truly on the front lines of this disease – the healthcare workers, the patients, and their families. Each day this week we will profile stories of those who are making a difference in this fight and the inspiration they provide to others here.

People such as Dasha and Grisha Lavrushiny, a young married couple from Russia, who have both struggled with TB, including the extensively-drug resistant form of it, but in the end have won the battle. Today, they are helping others receive correct diagnosis and treatment.

Li Lulu, a young mother from China, developed TB meningitis, a particularly dangerous type of TB, right after giving birth. The encouragement and support of her family had given her the strength needed to complete treatment and today she is cured.

The support of loved ones and the dedication of healthcare workers on the frontlines of the battle, such as Stuart Pancho, a registered nurse from the Philippines who leads trainings for other healthcare workers. The personal bonds they have established with their patients have proven essential to their treatment success.

Though treatment for TB may be complicated and lengthy, it is a curable disease. Yet an estimated 3 million people a year go undiagnosed or untreated. Much progress remains to be done until every person is correctly diagnosed, treated and cured. We at Otsuka are committed to continuing our efforts so that, ultimately, we can live in a world free from TB.

Read the full story with photos at: http://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2015/0227_01.html

The late chairman of Otsuka Holdings, Akihiko Otsuka (who died in November 2014), has posthumously received the 18th Princess Chichibu Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to Tuberculosis Elimination. This award honors individuals and organizations that have made great achievements in tuberculosis prevention. The ceremony was held on February 27, 2015 at the 66th national convention of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, and Otsuka Holdings Vice Chairman Ichiro Otsuka accepted the award in place of the late Chairman Akihiko Otsuka.

History of Princess Chichibu Memorial Award The Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association holds a national convention every year on March 24, World Tuberculosis Day. In addition, at the bequest of Princess Chichibu, who served as president of the Anti-Tuberculosis Association for more than half a century, the Princess Chichibu Memorial Tuberculosis Prevention Awards were established to memorialize her name and to honor individuals and organizations from Japan and abroad that have made significant contributions to tuberculosis prevention. Each year, on the day of the national convention, the awards are presented with Her Imperial Highness Princess Akishino, association president in attendance.

During the 1960s, when the tuberculosis epidemic in developed Western countries subsided, interest in development of anti-tuberculosis drugs withered rapidly even though the disease continued to spread in developing countries. Akihiko Otsuka, who became president of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in the 1970s, realized that tuberculosis was the most serious among Asian health problems, and concluded that the development of more powerful anti-TB drugs was of critical importance for Asian pharmaceutical companies. Following the founding of company’s first drug R&D lab in 1971, he overcame company-internal resistance to make significant investments over the next 30 years as the company continued R&D on anti-TB drugs.

As a result, Deltyba® (delamanid is the generic name) was discovered in 2002, and went on to receive regulatory approval in Japan and Europe in 2014 as a new anti-tuberculosis drug. This innovation arrived 40 years following Rifampicin, the first anti-tuberculosis drug, and 55 years following the discovery of kanamycin in Japan in 1958. The development of delamanid, a drug that has shed considerable light on the treatment of previously intractable multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and which has significant future potential in the treatment of this serious medical condition, was a manifestation of the company leadership’s clear intent and strong mission.

Otsuka Holdings Representative Director and Vice Chairman Ichiro Otsuka commented, “On the occasion of receiving of this prestigious award, I extend my heartfelt thanks on behalf of my late father. We are gratified that it is useful for the treatment of patients around the world who suffer from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, as this is a fulfillment of the Otsuka Group’s corporate philosophy to contribute to the health of the world’s people."

Otsuka Pharmaceutical has launched a new anti-tuberculosis drug in Japan and Europe for treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, which is a public health issue that has become a global threat. In the future, we will continue working to achieve our long-term goal of worldwide elimination of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Read the original story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2015/0222_01.html

Otsuka has supported the Tokyo Marathon, one of the largest city marathons in Asia, for 9 years in a row, since its inception. This year's running of the Tokyo Marathon was held on February 22.

The Otsuka Group, a total health care company that handles everything from functional foods and beverages to human pharmaceuticals, provided 36,000 runners rehydration and nutritional assistance, and was the first single corporate group to do so in the history of the Tokyo Marathon.

Tokyo Marathon is one of the six largest and most renowned marathons in the world, and only one Asian race to be recognized as such. 113 countries and regions participated in this year’s marathon, with about 5,000 foreign participants (14% of total runners). The most athlete participants came from Taiwan, with 1,367.

POCARI SWEAT is now available in 18 countries and regions making it a very familiar and trusted brand for worldwide athletes participating in this international event.

In a marathon, when each runner's body is pushed hard for an extended length of time, it is extremely important to get adequate hydration and nutrition before, during, and after the race in order to prevent the body from becoming depleted of water and nutrition and to ensure that the race can be finished safely.

Based on research conducted by Otsuka's own Sports Nutrition Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals provided the runners with various products before the race (Amino-Value, providing BCAA), during the race (POCARI SWEAT, providing water and electrolytes), and after the race (Calorie Mate, providing 5 major nutrients, including protein and sugars). Otsuka provided water and nutritional replenishment to 36,000 runners from around the world both at the EXPO and on the day of the race.

Early in the morning, with a light rain falling, around twenty Otsuka employees, along with volunteers, prepared Amino-Value and Calorie Mate Jelly for runners before the start of the race in order to provide them with the amino acid BCAA and 5 major nutrients.

At stations along the course, runners received POCARI SWEAT to provide them with well known water and electrolytes. In the marathon, when the runners were sweating even in the cold, those runners who remained adequately hydrated were able to perform their best and complete the circuit around Tokyo. Runners who crossed the finish line were handed packages of Calorie Mate to allow them to easily replenish their depleted stores of 5 major nutrients.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2015/0130_01.html

25th Asia Business Conference Mr. Daesik Eom, Senior Operating Officer at Otsuka Pharmaceutical was invited to speak at the University of Michigan’s 25th Asia Business Conference in US which has brought leaders of Asia and multinational companies together to discuss, debate, and dialogue about trends in Asia.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical was invited among other world class companies to be part of the conference because of its successful and sound global business recognized in the US as well as throughout the Asia-Pacific countries.

Past conferences have featured speakers from multinational corporations such as Google, Yahoo, Ford Motors, Logic Solutions, DoCoMo, Merrill Lynch, Johnson & Johnson, Mitsubishi Motors, General Motors, Shell, Nike, Satyam, Morgan Stanley, Dow Chemical, Baxter Healthcare and Pfizer.

Mr. Eom spoke at one of the regional panels on Japan, introducing Otsuka Pharmaceutical as a global company with a goal of “creating new products for better health worldwide”

Born in South Korea, he graduated from the Department of Forest Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, at Seoul National University. He then joined Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

At the age of 35, he became President and Representative Director of Korea Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. He was the youngest president for a pharmaceutical company in Korea at that time. Accomplished a great achievement in Korea, he moved to Japan and works for Otsuka Pharmaceutical as his current position in Japan.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2015/0129_01.html

FoodState is a whole food supplement company based in Derry, New Hampshire. Since its founding in 1973, FoodState has become an innovator in whole food based supplements and has been recognized for great products and strong brands in the natural and healthcare practitioner channels.

One aspect that sets FoodState apart from the competition is its approach to creating nutrients by starting with fresh or frozen whole foods - the focus of its leading brands, MegaFoodTM and INNATE Response FormulasTM.

For MegaFoodTM, everything starts with real farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and botanicals that are used as the base for the brand’s dietary supplements. The tagline “fresh from farm to tablet” means fresh and local foods are sourced from trusted farmers, and then the nutrients and wholesome supplements are made using a one-of-a-kind, proprietary Slo-Food ProcessTM.

As part of this unique approach, FoodState’s MegaFoodTM and INNATE Response FormulasTM, are recognized leaders in their respective channels and known for several key differentiators, including partnering with organic and sustainable farms to source fresh and local foods, and purchasing approximately 500,000 pounds of produce a year from farmers.

FoodState mills and purees whole foods, then integrates additional nutrients to guarantee potency levels. This integration of whole foods and individual nutrients is then dried with the utmost care using refractance window drying technology, also part of the Slo-Food ProcessTM.

The Slo-Food ProcessTM is a slower way of making whole food supplements. It can take 236 hours to make just one batch of finished product. Each and every step, from farm to tablet, was designed with one ultimate goal in mind—to create supplements that make a noticeable difference on consumers’ journey toward optimal health while staying true to the intention of food.

The FoodState team hand crafts each and every product in their own facility right down to the hand-packing of bottles for shipment.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2015/0121_01.html

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OAPI), its alliance partner Lundbeck, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the National Council for Behavioral Health joined in two years ago to organizeConnect 4 Mental Health®. It is an initiative that aims to help communities throughout the United States implement local approaches that provide additional support for those with serious mental illness.

Connect 4 Mental Health (C4MH) encourages community-based organizations, such as emergency services, law enforcement, and public housing, to work with mental healthcare providers and advocates to develop programs that support the estimated 6% of Americans living with serious mental illness.

“Our hope is that Connect 4 Mental Health will ignite a movement inspiring individuals and organizations to collaborate in order to help improve the lives of people with mental illness, one community at a time,” said Donna Erwin, Director, Advocacy and Policy, OAPI.

C4MH has identified four areas of focus that may help communities address mental illness locally: 1) Early Intervention, 2) Creative Use of Technology, 3) Integration of Services, and 4) Continuity of Care.

To recognize organizations that have shown good examples of work in these areas, C4MH implemented a ‘Community Innovation Awards’ program. Winners received a 10,000 USD award and access to a one-on-one mentorship program.

The winning organizations chosen for the 2014 awards:
Early Intervention: NAMI of Collier County (Naples, Florida)
Creative Use of Technology: Crisis Text Line (New York City)
Continuity of Care: Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center (Charleston & Summerville, South Carolina)
Service Integration: Robert Young Center (Moline, Illinois)

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2015/0116_02.html

Otsuka’s commitment to fight TB Infectious disease experts from around the world gathered in Okinawa, Japan in mid-January for the second Nikkei Asian Infectious Diseases conference. Otsuka signaled its ongoing commitment to the fight against TB by again co-sponsoring the conference.

Game changers Asia, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the world’s TB burden, clearly must be at the center of the goal to defeat TB globally. The introduction of a new drug for multidrug-resistant TB, as well as1new technologies to diagnose TB and its drug-resistant strains, are perceived as potential “game changers” in the fight against TB in the region.

However, one prominent specialist present noted that a badly designed MDR-TB program may actually cause more harm than having no program at all, citing the need for high-quality drug sensitivity testing and precise follow-up with patients.

This mixture of new optimism and renewed concern about TB prompted the event organizers to select TB as a key theme of the conference.

TB drug development needs to be simpler Hiroshi Ishikawa, Ph.D. (right) Fellow, Medicinal Chemistry at Otsuka, who was one of the key members of the Otsuka team that developed the drug delamanid, spoke with stirring passion at the conference about the scale of the challenge involved in creating a new TB drug. It included the study of over 14,000 compounds across two decades, something that a single chemist could not hope to accomplish in 100 years.

With an eye toward the future he noted that TB drug development will need to be simpler to reduce costs and facilitate broader access by patients.

Dr. Ishikawa also drew the attention of the audience to broader issues in the fight against TB. One is the need for improved diagnostics, especially kits that can rapidly measure TB bacilli susceptibility to drugs and biomarkers that can differentiate active from latent cases.

Max Yoshitake (left), Leader, Global TB Team was called on by one of the session moderators for his insights on issues such as latent TB, which is present in over 30% of the world’s population. Mr. Yoshitake noted that one important challenge for Otsuka and others will be to shorten the duration of treatment to just a couple of months.

Overall, a sense of cautious optimism filled the conference room. This was suggested by the nearly 45% decline in the TB mortality from 1990 to 2013, partly due to the DOTS (Directly Observed Treat Short Course) and Stop TB strategies. Looking forward, new diagnostics and drugs to treat the most difficult forms of the disease also hold promise. But no one was ready to say that the victory over TB, a disease as old as humanity itself, is near at hand.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2015/0116_01.html

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd. (OPEL) has been recognized by Cambridge University as an employer that positively encourages diversity, integrity and innovation by encouraging our employees to be creative and to think unconventionally.

Selection process During the ‘Employers of Choice’ selection process, Cambridge University shortlisted 60 employers out of 400, focusing on their commitment to a set of procedures and values including: engagement; talent management; providing opportunities for learning & development; diversity; a commitment to wellness and sustainability, governance and transparency.

‘The secret to nurturing fruitful growth – dare to be different’ Otsuka Europe’s selection as an ‘Employers of Choice’ by the University has resulted in an article entitled ‘The secret to nurturing fruitful growth – dare to be different’ in the prestigious ‘Cambridge: Inspiring Leadership & Innovation’ publication.

This publication is widely circulated, both in a printed and e-book format, to over 20,000 Cambridge students, members of the Cambridge Alumni association, UK and government departments, more than 30,000 educational establishments, 17,000 higher and further education institutions worldwide, international accreditation bodies and other global business audiences.

This article focuses on Otsuka’s history and growth, our creative and innovative approach, as well as, highlighting some of the key differences between Otsuka and other pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies.

‘We’ve never been afraid to do things differently, which sets us apart in the marketplace and helps us stand out.’ Ole Vahlgren, CEO & President – Otsuka Europe.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1219_01.html

Nutraceuticals are one of Otsuka Pharmaceutical's core businesses, and include products such as POCARI SWEAT and Calorie Mate that were developed based on scientific principles in order to improve people's health.

The Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute (SNRI) (left) conducts research aimed at developing new products and creating added value for products in a wide range of situations.

At the Saga Research Center, in 2014, the 30th anniversary of its founding, the Center renovated its artificial climate chamber. The chamber's temperature and humidity can be controlled with a high level of precision, and can also be used to create a low oxygen environment.

As with "exercise and nutrition," the Center's research topics are selected with an eye towards tackling various health issues. In recent years, "women's health" has been added to the list of the Center's areas of focus.

The research has found that one of the keys to these benefits are the female hormone-like effects of equol, a product of the metabolism by intestinal bacterial of daidzein, one of the components found in soy isoflavones. Through its research into equol, Otsuka Pharmaceutical became the first in the world to identify lactic acid bacteria that could be used in food products, out of those intestinal bacteria that work to produce equol. EQUELLE is a new soy-based product that helps women maintain and enhance their health, helping them lead a sparkling life during and after the menopausal transition.

Major Research Results Reported to Date: ・Recovery of plasma volume through the consumption of ion drinks when dehydrated
・Effects on the intestinal environment of ingesting beverages containing dietary fiber
・Maintaining performance by taking BCAA before exercise
・Water replenishment during long airplane flights
・Effects of a balanced diet on brain function
・The discovery of equol-producing bacteria, and the effects of equal on menopausal women

Otsuka Pharmaceutical will continue to conduct cutting-edge research into water and nutrition replenishment in the course of people's daily activities in order to formulate new proposals that can contribute to improved health.

Since its inception in 1984, the Saga Research Center has produced a number of products based on novel concepts and information, including EQUELLE, energen, and FIBE-MINI.

For more than 30 years, the Saga Research Center has been conducting innovative research with the goal of improving people's health and providing information to people around the world.

When the Saga Research Center, which was Japan's first clinical exercise and nutrition research institute, was founded, Mr. Hitoshi Hariu (right), who was involved in the development of Calorie Mate and was a pioneer in the field of "exercise and nutrition," led the effort to found the Center, and was appointed its first director.

Mr. Hariu visited universities across Japan based on the thinking that "new fields require new people," and when the Center opened in 1984, it did so with a staff of nine.

The second director of the Center was Hideaki Kohri, Ph.D. (left), a pharmaceutical researcher. Dr. Kohri instructed the Center's researchers to travel the world and experience for themselves the ways in which people in other cultures and situations get nutrition. The Center's researchers have formulated and verified various new research hypotheses.

On the Center's thirtieth anniversary, Mr. Hitoshi Hariu said, "The strength of Otsuka Pharmaceutical's products lies not only in their image, but also in scientific evidence. I would like our researchers to continue to utilize the Center's unique environment, which encourages wide-ranging research, to develop products that are useful to people around the world."

In addition, Dr. Hideaki Kohri said, "Pharmaceutical product research is performed based on when people are at rest. However, both healthy people and patients need activities according to each person's body condition. I would like the Center to take advantage of both the knowledge that is obtained in pharmaceutical research and the experience that is gained in the real world in an attempt to answer the question ‘What kind of activities we should take, when and what type of nutrition we should take?’ to continue to conduct ground-breaking research related to sports and nutrition that can contribute to people's health."

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1204_01.html

The 46th Annual Meeting of the Swiss Society of Nephrology (SSN) took place on December 4th and 5th in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Over 300 nephrologists, researchers, and nurses, including all the Swiss KOLs attended the meeting which consisted of plenary sessions, oral communications, poster sessions and satellite symposia.

New affiliate Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Switzerland) GmbH (OPCH) was present at the meeting with one of the first ADPKD disease awareness booths in Europe.

The booth combined elements of the disease awareness campaign, market access, and PAG engagement. Also several leave pieces have been distributed and a survey on patient journey has been carried out with some of the physicians.

Attendees of the congress were highly interested to learn more about Otsuka and its engagement in ADPKD. Especially in the lunch breaks the booth was well frequented. The exchange with many attendees has shown that the awareness of ADPKD among Swiss nephrologists is very high and the unmet medical need in this disease is largely recognized.

The presence of OPCH with a disease awareness booth marks a successful milestone in the ADPKD awareness campaign. We were able to connect the unmet needs in ADPKD to the commitment of Otsuka, and position OPCH as the new player in the disease area of nephrology in Switzerland.

We are looking forward to our presence at the 2015 Swiss Nephrology Congress.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1130_01.html

The idea to have Santa visit Tohoku children affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake came when a group of students from Kanto Gakuin University visited a preschool in Kamaishi City in Iwate Prefecture. It was a summer picture book reading event to provide emotional support and relief to the children affected by the natural disaster. At the end of their visit, the children said, “When you come back, bring Santa Claus!”

Planned and implemented by the Kanto Gakuin University students in December 2011, the Santa Project was born. This was in collaboration with organizations in Finland, including the traditional choir Belcanto and Santa Claus who is officially approved by Finland’s Santa Claus Village.

Since then every year, Santa Claus from Finland visits children in various areas destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami passing out gifts to bring them holiday cheer.

The Santa Project receives funding from a wide range of Japanese companies, including Otsuka Pharmaceutical. Volunteer students as well as Otsuka Pharmaceutical employees helped package SOYJOY bars and Calorie Mate in gift bags for Santa to give the children.

The Santa Project provides emotional support and relief by promoting exchange events between survivors of the disaster, including children, and people from outside the area, to ensure that the event does not fade from memory.

Santa Project volunteers travel with disaster survivors to Okinawa and Niigata, which itself has suffered from earthquake disasters in the past, Hokkaido, and other locations in Japan to promote cultural exchange between the people in these areas and the disaster survivors.

Volunteers in the Santa Project hope that it can bring people together so that they can bring each other hope and joy, in the same way that the idea of Santa Claus brings hope and joy to children around the world.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/release/2014/1121_01.html

Nutrition & Santé Inaugurates New Factory Expanding Production Base of the French Leader in Functional and Dietetic Foods * Otsuka Group member Nutrition & Santé (N&S), based in the Midi-Pyrénées region of southern France, is the French leader*1 in health and dietetic food, with a distribution network extending to more than 40 countries. * Easy to consume in the midst of a busy urban lifestyle, bar-type nutrition products including Milical are showing steady growth, with sales increasing by approximately 10% year-on-year. A new factory at the company’s site in Revel, France, will produce bar-type nutrition products for the European and Japanese markets. * Ninth production facility for the N&S Group will expand production capacity of bar-type items by 1.7 times

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head office: Tokyo; President: Taro Iwamoto) subsidiary Nutrition & Santé (N&S Headquarters: Revel, France) has completed construction of a new production facility at N&S Group headquarters in the Midi-Pyrénées region of France. The ninth production facility for the N&S Group, the new factory was inaugurated with a ceremony on November 20, 2014. The new factory strengthens the N&S industrial base by expanding production capacity for Milical and other bar-type nutrition products for the European and Japanese markets.

The three existing factories in Revel currently account for approximately one third of N&S production capacity, including all bar-type products. In recent years, protein bars and other diet foods that can be easily consumed in the midst of a busy urban lifestyle are growing in popularity in France, and N&S bar-type products including Milical have posted steady growth of approximately 10% year-on-year. Constructed in response to this demand, the new factory, dedicated to production of bar-type products, will expand production capacity by approximately 1.7 times. Products from the new factory will be distributed in more than 30 countries, including Japan.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1127_01.html

New Office Space For Creative Thinking Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OAPI), and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (OPDC), recently put the finishing touches on a new, innovative office space in Princeton, New Jersey.

The space has been thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan that inspires creativity and facilitates everyone’s ability to connect and collaborate without barriers.

Otsuka’s Culture Reflected in Design The unique design of the office reflects Otsuka’s culture, values, and vision. It provides employees with an optimal environment for brainstorming, camaraderie, and teamwork across the two companies.

A central, open staircase connects all four floors of the new building to encourage movement between floors and to create a sense of unity across the organization. Individual desks are arranged in a more open floor plan, creating an energizing team atmosphere.

In addition, through features such as flexible seating arrangements, meeting rooms of all sizes, open common areas, and a colorful interior décor, the unique workplace design effectively addresses Otsuka’s three main priorities: collaboration, big venture thinking, and innovation. And a large amount of natural light can be found on each of the building’s four levels, a feature that was identified by employees as very important.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1118_01.html

"Mr. Otsuka, you are a true friend of France," said Mr. Charles-Henri Brosseau, the Consul General of the French consulate in Kyoto, Japan, in fluent Japanese, to the late Chairman Akihiko Otsuka* on November 18 of last year.

The occasion was a momentous ceremony held at the Rihga Royal Hotel in Osaka to present Mr. Otsuka with the Officer Order of the Legion of Honor on behalf of the President of France.

The Order of the Legion of Honor was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. It is France's highest award, and is bestowed in times of peace and war on military personnel and private citizens who have made great contributions to France in areas such as culture, science, industry, business, or creativity.

Mr. Otsuka was awarded the Order for his work promoting the Japan-France relationship through his extensive business activities in France over many years.

The ceremony consisted of an awards presentation speech by Mr. Charles-Henri Brosseau and then the actual presentation of the award, followed by an acceptance speech by Mr. Otsuka.

Everyone present, including top Otsuka Group executives, offered Mr. Otsuka their heartfelt congratulations, and many congratulatory messages were sent to the ceremony by persons not in attendance.

Otsuka Holdings President, Mr. Tatsuo Higuchi, opened the banquet that was held following the awards ceremony with a toast "To Chairman Otsuka, and the continued development of the Otsuka Group".

Acceptance Speech by Chairman Akihiko Otsuka I am deeply honored to receive, from a representative of the President of France, France's highest award, the Officer Order of the Legion of Honor. I would like to express my sincerest thanks to you all.

In our efforts to contribute to the better health of people worldwide, and to continue our evolution into an international total health care company, the Otsuka Group has been actively expanding our business in Europe.

Specifically, most of our investments in Europe have been in France, which has become an important base of operations for the Otsuka Group. We feel that we have been rewarded for energetically pursuing new business opportunities in the field of medicine and foods and beverages while retaining our respect for and desire to learn from the traditions and culture of France, in our efforts to help the citizens of France realize the universal desire of people everywhere for improved health.

Our business activities in France have played such a prominent role for the Otsuka Group thanks to the support and cooperation of many people, including the government of France, for which we are truly grateful. Thinking back on the history of our operations since their initiation in France to the present day, being chosen to receive this most honorable award fills me with emotion and gratitude.

The Otsuka Group intends to continue working to promote creative business activities and to do our utmost to maintain and improve Japan's relationship with France. It is my sincere wish that we can all continue to work together to improve this relationship, and I look forward to your further guidance and encouragement in the future. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Today has been a great honor.

Mr. Charles-Henri Brosseau's Introductory Remarks (excerpted) I am honored to stand before you today to present the Officer Order of the Legion of Honor to Mr. Akihiko Otsuka, a leading Japanese industrialist and international businessman – and a close friend of France.

Mr. Otsuka's company was founded in 1921 in Tokushima, Japan, and is now one of the most prominent business groups in Japan in the fields of pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and cosmetics.

Mr. Otsuka joined the company in 1960. After holding various positions at Otsuka Group companies, he became the President of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. in 1976, and in 2008 was appointed the Chairman and CEO of Otsuka Holdings. 2008 was an important year for the relationship between France and the Otsuka Group, as this was the year that Otsuka Pharmaceutical acquired Nutrition et Santé and Alma.

The Otsuka Group has made considerable contributions to France's economy and has created many jobs in France. Thanks to Mr. Otsuka, the Otsuka Group has strengthened its French operations, and the Otsuka Group currently employs close to 2500 people in France and is among the leading Japanese investors in France.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical's French subsidiary, which markets human pharmaceuticals in France, had only 10 employees when it was founded in 2004, but it now employs eight times that many. In 2006, Otsuka's Abilify received the Prix Galien award, which is given for the development of a pharmaceutical product with groundbreaking therapeutic efficacy. Nutrition et Santé, which was acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceutical in this same year, manufactures functional and nutritional food products.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again praise the special relationship France has with the Otsuka Group, a relationship that has resulted in many past success stories, and one that I have no doubt will lead to many successes in the future as well.

Mr. Otsuka, you are a true friend of France. This is evident from the Otsuka Group’s enthusiasm for participating in events held by the French Embassy. Otsuka Group senior management has made every effort to forge solid, high-level relationships with French government officials, including the French Ambassador to Japan and officials at the Invest In France Agency.

Through the partnership the Otsuka Group has created with French industry, Mr. Otsuka has emphasized two things that the peoples of both of our countries have in common: finding value in work, and the enjoyment of life.

The government of France would like to express its gratitude for all the hard work of every Otsuka employee, for your actions as the head of the company, and for the contributions that you have made to foster the relationship between our two countries. Mr. Otsuka, on behalf of the President of France, I hereby award you the Officer Order of the Legion of Honor.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1105_01.html

Otsuka Pharmaceutical's dry eye magazine advertising campaign was awarded the first-place prize in the "Tie-in Campaign – Cosmetics" category of the 57th Japan Magazine Advertising Association Award.

The theme of the campaign was “凸凹Eye” which means bumpy surfaced eyes. It focused on "The Eyes of Craftspeople," something for which Japan is renowned for, in order to make it easy to understand that the condition called dry eye is a disease that does not result simply in dry eyes, but caused by the mucosal abnormality on the surface of the eye and making it bumpy.

The campaign featured segments on the eyes of active female professionals, along with explanations from ophthalmologists, and ran in magazines with a predominantly middle-aged female readership, a group that is particularly prone to developing dry eye.

Otsuka executive Yoshiko Wakana of the Dermatologicals & Ophthalmologicals Sales Department attended the awards ceremony, which was held in Tokyo on November 5, 2014.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical conducted an educational campaign on dry eye in various media, including this magazine advertising campaign, internet sites, and television programs.

Ms. Wakana said, "I would like to help as many patients who are suffering from dry eye as possible, by providing them with both safe and effective medicines and with high-quality information."

Read the full story with photos at:

http://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=225&date=2016-02-01

Dr. Gregory Fox from Sydney, Australia was presented the Young Innovator in Tuberculosis Research Award sponsored by Otsuka during the 46th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cape Town, South Africa in December 2015.

Dr. Fox is an Australian respiratory physician and recipient of the CJ Martin Fellowship from the Australian Government. His research focuses on TB case-finding and multidrug-resistant TB in high-burden settings. Dr. Fox was the foundation country director of the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Vietnam from 2009 to 2013. During that period, in partnership with the Vietnam National TB Program, he implemented a randomized controlled trial (the ACT2 study), screening over 25,000 people for TB.

The project was innovative in its use of randomized controlled trial methodology and electronic tools that were developed especially for the trial and are scalable. Additionally, the project demonstrated the feasibility of centrally coordinated tracing of everyone who has come in contact with a person diagnosed with TB. Currently, Dr. Fox is an investigator on several ongoing public health and clinical studies of TB screening and prevention in Vietnam. He also works as a respiratory physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia.

Encouraging Young Researchers for the Continuation of Actions Against TB The Young Innovator in TB Research Award was established through a global partnership between Otsuka Pharmaceutical and The Union. The award is administered by The Union with a grant provided by Otsuka. Award recipients are selected by a panel of experts organised independently by The Union.

The purpose of the award is to stimulate the advancement of innovative approaches in TB control and patient care. The award is open to young clinicians who have documented achievements in the formulation and implementation of clinical and operational research in the field of TB or multidrug-resistant TB.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1014_01.html

The Brazilian Health Food Company On August 29, 2014, leading Brazilian health food company Jasmine joined the Otsuka Pharmaceutical group of companies. Jasmine’s head office and main plant are located in Curitiba, a city of three million people in Southern Brazil.

In 1990, Mr. Christophe Allain and his wife Rosa established Jasmine which today has become the leading health food company in Brazil.

But who is Christophe and why did he create Jasmine? Christophe is the son of European immigrants who arrived in Brazil in the sixties when he was 10 years old. After having worked as a teacher, carpenter and in some multinational companies, Christophe, then 19 years old started his journey studying and practicing macrobiotics and oriental medicine principles, as a student of the great leader and philosopher Mr. Kikuchi Tomio, learning how food has so much influence in every one’s health. Ever since, Christophe continues to practice the principles of macrobiotics, and he still eats brown rice, miso soup and tofu at home, showing his example of healthy living.

The beginning of the business happened in an unpretentious way in the 70’s, when Christophe and his wife Rosa started to cook their own macrobiotic food at home and soon were surround by friends who enjoyed having such a delicious and healthy diet. This eventually led to the initiative of opening one of the first macrobiotic restaurants in Brazil, in Campinas near São Paulo.

Later on, in 1990 Mr. Christophe decided to start a new business, Jasmine , where he could be consistent with his philosophy of healthy food as a nutritional catalyst in transforming people´s life quality, and offer healthy food to the larger community.

Beginning with products such as brown rice, subsequently the company expanded to include many other items such as biscuits and granolas, producing and supplying a wide range of whole grain and organic products to suit the Brazilian consumers.

Twenty-five years later, Jasmine has become a reference for the health, organic and functional food industry in Brazil.

Jasmine’s main principle is to share the seeds of healthy eating habits, as we believe that eating well is living well. Thus the moto: “Coma bem, viva bem” means exactly this: “Eat well, live well”.

More than just healthy food, in addition to the functional benefits, Jasmine wants to motivate a life style change. That is why it seeks to offer products totally focused on providing health, pleasure, beauty and well-being. Therefore, you can say, Jasmine’s values reflect the philosophy and values of the company founder Christophe, who will continue to head the company’s management team.

The new partnership with Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, will help Jasmine share the philosophy and benefits of healthy and functional products for a greater number of people in Brazil and abroad.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1014_02.html

Japanese experts were invited to address key industry issues of Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) and the developmental trend of biomedicine to provide Korean pharmaceutical companies with helpful information on chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) in drug development.

This is the 5th time Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and Otsuka Pharmaceutical have sponsored “Korea Drug Research Academy-OTSUKA CMC ACADEMY”. Each year about 100 trainees attend this program.

This year, Mr. Kunio Kawamura, advisor of Japan’s Otsuka Pharmaceutical, emphasized that the mission of PIC/S was to establish the harmonized global standard in the inspection field work.

He said, “All of the partnered countries would follow uniform guidelines in giving approval, so that they can maintain a high quality of monitoring.”

Companies definitely benefit by joining PIC/S as they reduce duplicated inspection when exporting to multiple countries such as the US and Japan, and, thus, save on related costs.

Mr. Kawamura said, “Member countries should cooperate in order to minimize duplicated inspections. And more countries should join PIC/S, develop information sharing systems and communicate more actively to facilitate imports and exports.”

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1009_01.html

Why was Otsuka awarded the Nakai Prize? The tablet printing device developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. was considered a revolutionary innovation because it made it possible to print clearly on uncoated tablets, including orally disintegrating tablets, which have been difficult to print on using conventional techniques.

The dramatic improvement in tablet identification made possible by this printing technology has satisfied a considerable unmet need of medical professionals and patients, and has contributed greatly to improved treatment adherence.

What is Nakai Prize? In 2001, the Japan Society of Pharmaceutical Machinery and Engineering established the Nakai Prize, which is named after Yoshinobu Nakai, the first chairperson of the JSPME, in order to honor the achievements of individuals or groups who have made considerable contributions to the development of pharmaceutical machinery technology.

The Nakai Prize is awarded for achievements in either software or hardware that are judged to contribute greatly to the development and advancement of pharmaceutical machinery technology.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1002_01.html

On October 2nd, the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Mrs. Linda Amalia Sari Gumelar, visited Kejayan Plant that manufactures POCARI SWEAT to observe Rumah Belajar (Learning Centre) Satu Hati Cerdaskan Bangsa.

Up to date, Otsuka Pharmaceutical has over 2,500 employees in Indonesia and has been actively promoting children’s education as well as empowering female employees such as by providing a lactation room where mothers can pump and save their breast milk to bring home to their babies and daycare programs.

Employing people from diverse cultural background and providing a lactation room really touched the minister’s heart. She also praised the work done for children’s education at the plant. The learning center in the factory features a Satu Hati School that is held once a week, where employees take turns providing after-school tutoring in Math and English.

“Getting a proper education and be able to enjoy their childhood without exploitation by adults is the right of every child. In addition, it is important for us to pay attention to the process of development of the child.

Families have the greatest role in shaping the character of children”, said Minister Gumelar at the Diversity Hall of Kejayan Factory, Pasuruan, Indonesia.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/1001_01.html

Women’s International Networking (WIN) A team of 13 delegates from Otsuka Europe attended the Women’s International Networking (WIN) Conference in Berlin from the 1st – 4th October. The Otsuka team joined 750 people from several leading organizations around the world, helping us to imagine what it would be like to work in an environment without diversity and inclusion and asking the question: ‘would this be a place that you would like to work?’

It’s not just about women, it’s about all employees looking at why you come to work every day WIN was set up to empower and connect both female and male leaders from around the world and to listen to and reflect the desires of the modern workforce and companies of the future. It provides a platform and an environment aimed to help individuals and organizations move forward, realize their potential and focus on each person’s contribution.

Diversity will be part of Otsuka Europe’s agenda in 2015 With this in mind Otsuka has sponsored this year’s event, which has given us an opportunity to raise our brand awareness in Europe and enable us to use it as a platform for a range of initiatives next year. Hundreds of delegates visited the Otsuka stand, which featured a branded pull-up banner, a TV screen showing the Otsuka ‘Globalization’ animation, and 750 EU Business Overview brochures were included in the delegate packs.

Ms. Tracey Upton, VP of Human Resources says, “Otsuka is keen to increase its presence in the wellness and diversity arena and saw WIN as an opportunity to gain insight into what other companies are doing.”

Otsuka delegates were selected from across the European organization and tasked with speaking to a number of companies to find out how they are embracing diversity within their own business and bring ideas back to Otsuka for debate.

“Otsuka has a culture of inclusion, employing people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Opportunities are given to capable people regardless of their gender, it is how you tackle the challenges that counts. Giving employees the chance to attend an event like WIN reinforces the company’s commitment to diversity and key learnings can be cascaded through the organization,” says Ms. Ali Ross Head of EU Communications.

Ms. Heidi McNeill, Marketing Manager - CNS shares, “This is an amazing opportunity to engage with inspiring people from different countries and different industries.”

During the three day event, delegates had the opportunity to attend workshops, seminars and networking events. Besides Otsuka, exhibitors included brands such as Coca-Cola, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Shell, Unilever and Volvo. Everyone left Berlin feeling energized and ready to develop a plan that will enable us to continue our own journey to remain a company that celebrates diversity.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0930_01.html

Discussion among Japanese and American female leaders Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Senior Operating Officer, Ms. Akiko Ryu Innes-Taylor was one of the panelists invited to speak at a symposium to further the idea of nurturing women leadership and diversity in the science and energy fields. The event provided an opportunity for American and Japanese women in leadership positions to compare and contrast diversity and promotion policies and share experiences on leading change to build skilled, diverse workforces.

U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, who is the first female U.S. Ambassador to Japan said in her opening speech that such conversations are important to encourage children, especially girls, from a young age to explore sciences,

“Many hard problems facing our world today need creative ideas from policy makers, engineers, and scientists: clean energy to power our homes and our economy, new medicines to fight disease and ease suffering, and better farming methods to end world hunger. If we want to reach our goals in these areas, we need the best energies and skills of women and men, working together.”

Having the largest gender gap in the world*, in Japan forty percent of Japanese women do not work, a much higher number than other developed countries.

In response to a question from the audience on how to navigate a society that is dominated by men, Ms. Innes-Taylor shared that women must win both men and women allies to fight for their causes. “Finding something you are passionate and curious about is important. And just as important is to find a partner who supports your career. To succeed, you need help, one cannot do it on her own.”

Otsuka Pharmaceutical opened two day care centers for its employees, as shortage of day care spots and long waiting lists have discouraged many women in rejoining the workforce after giving birth.

Because workplace environments that encourage diversity and create leadership opportunities for male and female employees are important for Japan’s continuing economic recovery, many attendees found the symposium to be helpful to connect people who want to see change in Japan.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0926_01.html

As part of Pharmavite’s overall strategy to educate future pharmacy graduates and their educators on the importance of dietary supplements, Pharmavite invited students and faculty from Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy to attend a seminar on dietary supplements at the company’s Opelika, Alabama facility in September.

The Harrison School of Pharmacy is the largest Pharmacy School in the State of Alabama. The educational visit included an in-depth look at Pharmavite’s history as a leading manufacturer of high quality vitamins, minerals and supplements, plus an extensive tour of the company’s state of the art Opelika facility.

At the seminar, the university guests learned about Pharmavite’s stringent manufacturing process, including ways the company exceeds industry standards. The guests also left with a better understanding of the United States regulatory framework for supplement manufacturing and marketing.

The seminar was a tremendous success. In a post-visit survey, the students reported: “An increased understanding of how quality vitamins are manufactured,” as well as “Understanding of the additional steps that Pharmavite takes to manufacture high quality vitamins.”

Participants also thanked Pharmavite for the educational opportunity indicating they were very impressed with the facility and knowledgeable staff and would recommend future events to other students. Based on the seminar’s success, Pharmavite looks forward to hosting more students on tours in the future.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0829_01.html

Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare, Dr. Wen-ta Chiu, kicked off Otsuka Taiwan Pharmaceutical’s 40th Anniversary celebration with a message of congratulations. He gave an overview of the company’s contribution to the history of medical therapies in Taiwan since it was first established in 1974. Dr. Chiu also mentioned of the development of Taita solutions, therapeutic agents launched since the 1980s such as Meptin and Mikelan, and then Pletaal, Abilify and Samsca, and PIC/S GMP certification of the Chungli factory in 2010.

The event held at Regent Taipei Hotel was attended by a total of 85 guests, including Mr. Ichiro Otsuka, Vice Chairman of Otsuka Holdings and representatives from Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, Otsuka group companies, Taiwanese corporations, Taiwanese shareholders and former Taiwan Otsuka management.

Taiwan Otsuka Pharmaceutical was established as a pioneer in the Asian market on August 30 1974 during Japan’s oil crisis, at a time when the world was also in the grip of recession. At the time, significant growth was forecast for the Asian market.

The factory started production in 1976, and the business went into full swing in July. The Taiwanese market environment has seen remarkable change, both stable and ongoing.

The sales division currently has specialist medical representatives in the three areas of therapeutic drugs, CNS drugs and parenteral nutrition, and the company has expanded to employ 180 staff, including factory employees.

Taiwan Otsuka Pharmaceutical, by providing innovative drugs and information, has made an ongoing contribution to the health and medical treatment of people in Taiwan. All employees are making a collective effort to use this 40th anniversary as a springboard to the future, striving for even greater development.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0812_01.html

As part of Obon Festival held on August 12 – 15, each year Japan’s largest Awa Dance Festival is held in Tokushima, where Otsuka was founded. The 100-strong Otsuka Ren has Otsuka Pharmaceutical employees from Japan and overseas and from all ranks.

New hires and those who have been with the company for decades all join together and practice for months in various locations before coming together to perform as one. Each year, Awa Dance instructors come up with different formations for the dancers to perform.

The 400-year old traditional Awa Dance performance brings well over 1.23 million spectators from all over Japan and overseas each year to the tiny Tokushima town of 700,000 population.

Otsuka Ren dancers are accompanied by its own musicians (who are also Otsuka employees), playing Japanese bells, flutes, shamisens, and taiko drums as they dance in front of thousands of spectators.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0716_01.html

In 1983, Dr. Youichi Yabuuchi was appointed head of research and development for new drugs at Otsuka Pharmaceutical. During that same period, researchers from South Korea’s Dong-A Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. were first welcomed as interns at Otsuka under the guidance of president Akihiko Otsuka.

Importance of Japan/South Korean relationship Five researchers studied at Otsuka up to 1991 including Mr. Won-Bae Kim, who is now the therapeutic division vice chairman of Dong-A, and also Mr. Young-Moon Choi, who is now with the US FDA. This was the beginning of Otsuka’s association with Korean pharmaceutical companies.

A total of 27 researchers studied in Japan over five years from 1991, honing the drug-development capabilities of Korean companies through the introduction of Korea Drug Research Association (KDRA).

Almost all KDRA members are company presidents or lab directors who are at the forefront of wide-ranging new drug development initiatives in South Korea. In addition to providing advanced technological tutelage for promoting new drug development in South Korea, Otsuka also strived to encourage cultural exchanges for building stronger ties between the two countries. Otsuka’s efforts helped lay the foundations for active new drug research and development in South Korea.

The presentation of the appreciation plaque to Dr. Yabuuchi is based on this background. We hope that this ongoing relationship will contribute even more strongly to the advancement of pharmaceuticals research and the industry as a whole in both countries.

“In the long run, it is vital that a company expands at a steady pace in keeping with the realities it must contend with,” said Dr. Yoichi Yabuuchi when he accepted the appreciation plaque.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0614_01.html

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Germany’s ‘Look closer’ hyponatremia awareness campaign was honored with the Astrid Award, a design prize for Outstanding Achievement in Design Communications.

The Astrid Awards, established 25 years ago, celebrate and reward the best international design communications in healthcare. The international Astrid Awards program received nearly 550 entries from around the world and Otsuka won Bronze.

The campaign is targeted at Healthcare Professionals in Germany. It was developed to create awareness for hyponatremia and to work on the paradigm shift in hospitals to make physicians aware of the disease and to ensure that patients get the best treatment for hyponatremia.

A chameleon has been chosen as image of the campaign as it also changes appearance, can hide, and cannot easily be seen sometimes, so you have to take a closer look to find it. The same is valid for hyponatremia. With that eye-catcher we want to draw the attention of the physician to the disease.

“I was very proud and happy that we won the award. As a company that provides the only approved treatment for hyponatremia secondary to SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion) in Europe, we have to constantly work on raising awareness of this condition. So physicians recognize hyponatremia, see the patients, and are able to treat these patients in the best possible way,” said Kristina Saala, Marketing Manager - Specialty Products, Otsuka Pharma GmbH.

Patients with hyponatremia secondary to SIADH have a water overload, so they are often “treated” with fluid restriction. They are sometimes only allowed to drink only 500 ml per day, which is a real torture. With our innovative drug, patients are allowed to freely and partly drink according to their thirst. And as this, an Otsuka creative oral drug, is a Vasopressin receptor antagonist, it induces aquaresis, so the patients lose the overload of water. It is worth working every day to create awareness, so that patients will receive the best, modern treatment. We believe the design of the chameleon shows the valuable change of innovative therapy to patients with hyponatremia.

Read the full story with photos at:https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0608_01.html

June 9th as “Worldwide Appreciation Day” For five years Japanese calligraphy artist, Mr. Souun Takeda (right), has been organizing a “Kansha-no-hi”, a day to say “thank you”.

Master Takeda held annual events in hopes that “Kansha Day” will become a worldwide holiday when everyone, like family and friends, uses the day to show appreciation to one another. He explained that the numbers 6 and 9 represent “yin and yang” like “light and shadow” and it is his hope that on June 9th, these elements would come together in perfect harmony.

This year, hundreds of people gathered in Enoshima on June 8th, a Sunday, where different booths offered various ways for people to show appreciation to others. Master Takeda participated in using his calligraphy skills to write thank you messages for visitors. He also visited our booth and promoted the event.

Saying “Thank You” Through POCARI SWEAT Matching the hot summery weather, Otsuka Pharmaceutical introduced POCARI SWEAT ION WATER to the visitors at the booth. As the theme is to be grateful for health, attendees were reminded to rehydrate.

POCARI SWEAT ION WATER gave out original thank you cards for people to write personal messages of appreciation, and then have them attached to POCARI SWEAT ION WATER bottles. And these were used as gifts to replenish fluid and ions for people important to those who attended the event.

Throughout the day people of all age groups, including couples, children and families, stopped by the booth, wrote their unique thank you messages. Those messages were for their families’ health, that live far away. Attendees also told us this event made them grateful for their own good health, and that it is due to the support of the people around them that they can achieve it.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0601_01.html

Oronine – Launched From Tokushima in 1953 “I burned myself on the teapot.” “Put Oronine on it.”
“I fell down and skinned my knee.” “There’s Oronine in the medicine cabinet.”
If you are Japanese, this probably sounds familiar, bringing you back to your days as a child, when cuts and scrapes were a near-daily occurrence.

“Oronine Ointment,” the medicine mentioned in so many such households, was born in a small pharmaceutical factory in Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture.

How Oronine Ointment got its start Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc. founded by Busaburo Otsuka in 1921, made bulk ingredients for the pharmaceutical industry using magnesium chloride obtained from the salt industry in Naruto. After the end of the war, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory started manufacturing not only bulk materials, but also its own pharmaceutical products – solutions for injection for medical use – and expanded the scale of its operations.

However, it was clear that, with injection solutions and distilled water as Otsuka’s only branded products, business would be much tougher after the demand caused by the Korean War ended.
Mr. Masahito Otsuka, who had originally joined his father’s business as the eleventh employee, took the helm of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory in 1947, and was struggling to develop new products when he heard about something from Mitsui & Co. An American company, Oronite Chemical, had discovered a new antibacterial agent; what about trying to make a product using that?

But what could it be used in? Masahito thought of ointments. At the time, the over-the-counter drugs Mentholatum (“Menturm” in Japan) and penicillin ointments were hit products, and Masahito thought that sales would be more stable with these kinds of products.

Masahito asked three professors at Tokushima University to develop a product for Otsuka. The new product was ready for sale in 1952, and was marketed the following year, in 1953. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory’s long-awaited first original product was christened “Oronine Ointment,” after the name of the company that manufactured the raw material.

Bold Marketing Strategy Oronine Ointment was therefore the result of a joint collaboration between industry and academia. However, unlike the products marketed by large pharmaceutical companies, brand recognition was poor – at first. Otsuka therefore engaged in various sales and promotion activities in order to teach people about Oronine and get them to use it.

For example, in the year it was launched, Otsuka announced in an informational newsletter targeted at hospitals, the “Otsuka Pharmaceutical News,” that Otsuka was holding a “Miss Nurse Contest.”

Then, the following year, Otsuka sent a marketing truck on a nationwide tour, something that was extremely rare at the time. During the first year, Otsuka’s president traveled for 26 days out of every month, visiting major hospitals across the nation, relentlessly promoting Otsuka’s first original over-the-counter medicine. Sales grew steadily, reaching 30 million yen a month, but then plateaued.

Otsuka also began hearing complaints from customers saying they didn’t like the way it smelled.
To solve the problem of flattening sales, Otsuka came up with a plan to give test sample packets containing 2.5 g of ointment to children in kindergartens and elementary schools nationwide.*1
This was an unprecedentedly bold move for the time.

The formula was also modified to eliminate the unfavorable smell and this, combined with the free sample distribution strategy, the initial outlay for which exceeded sales, was successful: from 1957 on, sales of “Oronine Ointment” resumed their rapid rise.

Masahito said that “The best form of promotion is the product itself; if the product is used just once, that is more effective than ten advertisements.” This one move turned a crisis into an opportunity.

Marketing – Communicating the Brand In addition to the promotion of sales to hospitals and the marketing truck and free sample distribution campaigns, Otsuka also marketed Oronine Ointment aggressively in the media.

Otsuka placed advertisements in newspapers and magazines, and enlisted Keiji Sada and Keiko Kishi, who had starred in the movie version of the radio drama “Your Name Is,” which was hugely popular at the time, to sell Oronine using the catch phrase “Your Name Is Oronine.”

In the radio program “Daimaru Racket – Humorous Street Recordings,” a Japanese stand-up comedy duo who performed using the stage names Nakata Daimaru and Nakata Racket made audiences laugh with a clever back-and-forth comedy routine about Oronine.

1953, the year Oronine Ointment was launched, was also the year that television broadcasting started in Japan. The first television commercials were broadcast live by performers during the programs.

Then, starting in 1963, Otsuka advertised Oronine using enamel billboards. These were put up by salesmen as part of their job, and are now greatly prized by collectors.

In 2003, the 50th anniversary of Oronine’s market launch, Otsuka sold a limited quantity of Oronine Ointment in 50th anniversary commemorative packaging, and also sold “Oronine Sanitizer,” a spray-type sanitizer that was the first new Oronine product in 50 years.

In 2013, different ways of usage was reflected by a new campaign that showed 100 different photos and videos of how people can use Oronine Ointment which can be found here.

A survey of current Oronine users revealed that the most common age of first purchase is among buyers in their 20's to 30's, and the most common reason for purchase is for treatment of wounds. Based on that, the latest ads show the portability and versatility of the 10g size and presented on the web, a medium on which these active people spend time.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0531_01.html

The Forum is a newly formed group of physicians and advocates in Europe dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The formation of the European ADPKD Forum (abbreviated as EAF) coincided with the 51st European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Congress that was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Forum is supported by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd.

The original seeds of Otsuka’s engagement on ADPKD can be traced back to research done at Otsuka labs in Tokushima, Japan in the late 1980s on vasopressin, a hormone that increases water reabsorption in the kidneys. Otsuka shared the findings with university-based researchers around the world, and subsequent R&D has created significant scientific insights into ADPKD.

The EAF initiative is co-chaired by Tess Harris, President of PKD International, and Dr. Richard Sanford, Consultant Clinical Geneticist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK.

Tess Harris (left), EAF co-chair and ADPKD patient commented: “ADPKD places a great emotional and physical strain on people with the condition and their families. ADPKD patients experience a diminished and sometimes impoverished quality of life and are at risk of dying prematurely. Healthcare professionals and the wider public simply aren’t as aware of ADPKD as they should be and this must be urgently addressed. The EAF initiative will do this by identifying areas for improvement in care inequalities and by establishing a framework in which expertise and learnings can be shared to tackle the ongoing concerns faced by the ADPKD patient and care-giving community throughout Europe.”

The EAF is currently developing an expert report that will feature new evidence from the largest-ever survey of ADPKD patients. The report will draw attention to the emotional and physical burdens of living with the disease, as well as explore the potential barriers to the development of innovative treatments for ADPKD.

“This EAF report will provide the most robust overview yet of the wide-ranging impact of ADPKD, how health services are currently set up to meet this challenge, and what changes are needed to improve care development and delivery,” says Dr Richard Sandford. The EAF report will be published in late 2014.

The co-chairs and faculty of the EAF do not receive fees for their roles in the initiative and the opinions expressed in EAF publications are solely their own and are not necessarily shared by Otsuka.

The EAF initiative aims to:

•Increase awareness of the impacts of ADPKD on patients and health services
•Recommend health policy strategies to improve ADPKD care, based on the latest scientific
evidence and expert insight
•Encourage and facilitate collaboration between the individuals and groups involved in the care
and support of people with ADPKD.

What is ADPKD? 　ADPKD is a disease arising from one of two possible genetic mutations in which innumerable cysts (sacs in which fluid accumulates) form in the kidney, leading to gradual diminution of renal function. In most cases symptoms begin to show up in the third or fourth decade of life in the form of complaints such as blood in the urine, abdominal or low back pain, and abdominal distention. Also, hypertension may occur before the damage done to the kidneys by ADPKD becomes apparent.

Approximately. 50% of ADPKD patients experience end-stage renal disease by age 59 and 75% reach ESRD by age 70. The disease occurs relatively frequently among genetic disorders and approximately 200,000 people have been diagnosed with ADPKD in Europe, 120,000 in the U.S. and 30,000 in Japan.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0710_01.html

For the fifth straight year Otsuka Pharmaceutical has supported TEDxTokyo, an event held at Hikarie Square in the Shibuya district of Tokyo.

TED, an acronym for “Technology,” “Entertainment,” and “Design,” provides a forum for individuals at the forefront of these three fields to come together to share innovative and creative ideas ~ “ideas worth spreading”.

TED started in the United States in 1984, and has spread to more than 140 countries around the world. The presentations given at the TED gatherings have been recorded and made available free of charge at the TED web site, and these “TED Talks” have been watched more than one billion times worldwide. In Japan, NHK has shown TED talks on a program called “Super Presentation,” which has drawn considerable interest.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical, which places a premium on creativity, and on the development and promotion of original products, immediately identified with the TED concept.

This year, in collaboration with TEDxTokyo members, Otsuka created an animated short based on the theme of “globalization” that gave a brief overview of the company.

At Otsuka’s booth on the day of TEDxTokyo, Otsuka showed the animation on monitors and displayed the illustrations that were used to produce it. A select few Otsuka products, such as SOYJOY and POCARI SWEAT ION WATER, were passed out in order to introduce attendees to Otsuka’s philosophy and international scope.

The animated short told the story of Otsuka’s ongoing efforts to develop and promote innovative products, based on Otsuka’s corporate philosophy, “Otsuka – people creating new products for better health worldwide,” reflecting the company’s belief that health is borderless.

From 1973, the year of the founding of Otsuka Thailand, Otsuka Pharmaceutical has been expanding internationally. In the 1980s, Otsuka Pharmaceutical was the first Japanese pharmaceutical company to establish research and development bases in America. This marked the true beginning of our globalization.

Employees based outside Japan now account for 70% of Otsuka’s workforce, and Otsuka markets products in more than 80 countries around the world. Otsuka’s animated short, which is less than four minutes long, tells the story of Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s journey to the present, and of the various milestones that were passed along the way.

At this year’s TEDxTokyo, more than 25 presenters spoke or gave performances focusing on this year’s theme, “Connecting the Unconnected.”

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0516_01.html

China Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Celebrated its 30th Birthday China Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (COP) was established as the first foreign pharmaceutical joint venture after China’s reform and opening-up policies were implemented in 1978. The aim was to contribute to the development of localized medical services, which upheld Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Chairman Akihiko Otsuka’s philosophy of contributing to medical fields at a local level.

In every challenge, you contribute with a focus on patients At the celebration in Tianjin, China, on May 16th 2014, Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. Vice President Ichiro Otsuka’s speech was especially encouraging.

“To be honest, I feel the relationship between China and Japan is not so good. However, I think we should focus on the patients with the same mindset that we use to contribute to the advancement of medical care in China. Hopefully, the company could become one of the bridges to improve Japan-China relations in the future. Recently, when I think about how things will be in the 22nd century, people may ask ‘which healthcare maker most contributed to the 21th century?’ I hope to hear the answer, ‘Isn’t it the Otsuka group?’ I hope for the same in China, I hope China Otsuka Pharmaceutical will be the company with the most contributions to the clinical nutrition of China. I heard that you will challenge various fields, not limited to only I.V., so I hope that in every challenge, you contribute with a focus on patients.”

China Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (COP) has led profound changes in China’s I.V. industry COP president Mr. Haichun Gao gave a presentation to guests showing the development of the company over the last 30 years, describing the four aspects of company history, social values, social responsibility, and his future vision. Whether it is production quality, technology, or marketing strategy, when it comes to the idea of safe I.V. products, COP has led profound changes in China’s I.V. industry. President Gao expressed thanks for the effort and support from the government, shareholders, the Otsuka group, and all employees.

Award of Founding Fathers COP chairman Mr. Zhixin Li issued the “Award of Founding Fathers” to Mr. Akihiko Otsuka which was accepted by his son, Mr. Ichiro Otsuka on his behalf.

Understanding the present by reviewing the past (温故知新) in an age of complex Japan-China relations, we need to review the message from Mr. Akihiko Otsuka in 1986: “Without lasting peace, there can be no future. All citizens must consider this issue together. Every citizen should do their best to develop a deep, mutual understanding with the people of other countries. We should help the Chinese understand the Japanese through China Otsuka’s business. The success of China Otsuka will encourage more Japanese companies to invest in China, and then we will have more chances for mutual understanding to contribute to lasting peace.”

Nearly 300 people attended the celebration in Tianjin, China, including board members and Old Boys who witnessed the development of the company, as well as the presidents of Otsuka affiliates in China. The list of guests included Mr. Ichiro Otsuka; Mr. Meguru Kajiwara, executive managing director of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory; Mr. Takaharu Imai, senior managing director of Otsuka International Asia & Arab; Mr. Dae-sik Eom, senior managing director of Otsuka International Asia & Arab.

The ceremony was held in the lecture hall of the multifunction building and led by Mr. Zhixin Li. The Vice President of Sinopharm (a major stakeholder) Mr. Zenghe Dong said in his speech to the audience, “China Otsuka Pharmaceutical contributed to medical service in China over the years to have enhanced overall levels of China I.V. by its high quality products.” Chairman of Tianjin Pharmaceutical (another major stakeholder) Mr. Jianjin Zhang also affirmed a strong sense of social values and the good momentum of corporate development.

History Reports of intravenous fluid supplies breaking in their glass bottles on the way to aid those affected by the Tangshan Earthquake of 1976 moved Mr. Akihiko Otsuka deeply, which led him to respond the Tianjin government’s approach which was seeking an overseas partner for the manufacture of I.V. fluids at the time. After several visits and discussions, Otsuka Pharmaceutical and China Pharmaceutical Industry Company signed a joint venture contract officially in 1980, establishing the first Sino-Japanese joint venture after diplomatic relations were restored in 1978.

China Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. held its first Founder’s general assembly during its first board meeting in February 1981. After 4 years of construction and preparation, the Tianjin factory was completed and began operations in April 1984. Three decades have passed in a seemingly short span for COP. Its 30th anniversary was a proud and memorable moment for the company.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0515_01.html

POCARI SWEAT is set to becoming the first beverage to land on the moon The “LUNAR DREAM CAPSULE PROJECT” is an attempt to land a probe on the moon surface for the first time solely by the efforts of private companies. We have entered an era where space travel, which used to be only feasible at the national project level, can be handled by private companies.

The goal is not to just send a drink to the moon. The objective of this project is to inspire young people who become interested in the moon or outer space through this project to go and retrieve the DREAM CAPSULE by themselves in the near future, drink the POCARI SWEAT mixed with the water found on the moon and bring their dreams contained in the capsule back home.

Mr. Masayuki Umeno, Vice President of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. talked about his passion for the project, “Otsuka Pharmaceutical has continued its research into ‘water’ that is close to human body fluid for many years. Based on the research findings, Otsuka released POCARI SWEAT in 1980. In 2013, when we heard the news from NASA that there is water on the moon, I decided to participate in this project.”

The messages to be put inside the capsule are dreams of children gathered from visits to primary schools in and out of Japan.

The drink will be in powder form and stored inside a special titanium can that weighs 1,000g and looks like a regular POCARI SWEAT can.

To continuously endure the harsh environment of the moon where the temperature shifts from minus 170℃ at night to 110℃ during the day, the capsule was developed specifically for this project.

Mr. Nobu Okada, CEO of ASTROSCALE PTE. Ltd., who is in charge of the design and overall technological management of the DREAM CAPSULE, explained the structure of the capsule.

“Small- and medium-sized companies in Japan have remarkable technological capabilities, and are joining all their forces for this project. To bring something to outer space, it is necessary to take into account the vibrations of the rocket, differences in gravity, the vacuum of space, radiation and other influential factors, including the blue color of the DREAM CAPSULE. Due to the difficulty in carrying a colored component into outer space, conventional rockets and artificial satellites have not been color-coated. Nevertheless, with this project, making use of their wisdom and technology, Japanese small- and medium-sized companies have successfully developed a special blue dye, which has passed tests run by NASA.”

Astrobotic Technology Inc., the developer of the lander that will carry the DREAM CAPSULE filled with dreams and technologies to the moon, is a US-based company that delivers affordable space robotics technology and planetary missions.

The company’s CEO, Mr. John Thornton, explained the exploration plan, “From Florida, the lunar lander ‘GRIFFIN’ will be launched with the rocket, which will arrive at the moon about four days later. After orbiting the moon at an altitude of approximately 100 km, the lander will make a soft landing on the surface of the moon.”

“The landing spot on the moon (LACUS MORTIS) is a unique area where there may be a network of underground caves. Such geographical features were discovered by Japan’s lunar probe KAGUYA. The GRIFFIN will land near the spot and certainly deliver your messages to the moon,” said Mr. Thornton.

Mr. Masazumi Gotoda, Senior Vice-Minister of the Cabinet Office in charge of the national space policy, shared his view about this privately funded project.

“This is actually a project that should be conducted by the national government. I would like to express my sincere respect and gratitude to the project organizers.”

“The LUNAR DREAM CAPSULE PROJECT involves various aspects, such as technologies, a shift from government to private initiatives, participation of small- and medium-sized companies, and educational issues. Under the leadership of the minister, we will also aggressively promote Japan’s space policy through close public-private partnerships. I wish this project great success, and hope that humanity will enjoy prosperity in the near future, when some of us land on the moon to retrieve the capsule.”

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0513_01.html

To introduce innovative pharmaceuticals from Japan On May 13, 2014 the new Otsuka offices in Glattbrugg, near Zürich, Switzerland were officially opened. At the opening ceremony, guests were honoured by the presence of Ambassador of Japan to Switzerland, H.E. Ambassador Ryuhei Maeda and his wife.

The opening ceremony was themed around the traditional Japanese cherry blossom festival Sakura Hanami, as a symbol of new beginnings and spring. In addition, the cherry blossom stands for the numerous similarities between Switzerland and Japan. In Switzerland, cherries are a major crop in summer and are celebrated with several specialties, including the famous Kirsch-Schnaps, whereas in Japan cherry blossom is celebrated with a special festival.

“Herzlich willkommen zur Eröffnung von Otsuka Pharmaceutical Switzerland” “Welcome to the official opening of Otsuka Pharmaceutical in Switzerland” “Mina-sama Otsuka Seiyaku Suisu Shiten no Opening e youkoso” Heidi Zbinden, who has been appointed Managing Director of Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Switzerland) GmbH opened the official part of the evening in German, English and Japanese. As former director of marketing and market access at the Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck, Heidi Zbinden has extensive experience in the Swiss pharmaceutical market, “I am very proud and excited to be a part of a company that is committed to contributing to the health and well-being of people in Europe through its innovative products and forward thinking approach.”

Dr. Taro Iwamoto, president and CEO of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. travelled from Japan to Switzerland for the opening event and introduced the guests to the philosophy and values of the company, “At Otsuka our aim is to bring our innovation and creativity to all corners of the world, enabling us to contribute to the health of people across the globe. The establishment of our new office in Zurich brings us one step closer to this goal and marks a major milestone in the continued growth of Otsuka in Europe.”

The new offices in Glattbrugg are located only a short drive away from the airport and with good links to the city of Zürich. They provide a welcoming and calm working atmosphere in a modern environment. Currently Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Switzerland) GmbH employs a team of fourteen people.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Switzerland) GmbH was also welcomed by the mayor of Opfikon-Glattbrugg, Paul Remund, with a toast during dinner.

With the opening of the new offices in Glattbrugg, Otsuka Europe has taken another step in establishing a long-term presence in Switzerland. Ole Vahlgren, CEO and President of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd. said, “We are proud to introduce our innovative products to the Swiss market and look forward to becoming a valued and trusted partner in the Swiss healthcare community.”

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0418_01.html

ISEFAC master's degree students visit Otsuka To nurture global leaders, the French government is working with the French Embassy in Japan and organized a program, inviting French students to visit companies in Japan to deepen the understanding of each other’s cultures. ISEFAC is one of the largest private education organizations in France and this year, 62 of its master’s students joined the study tour to Japan.

Otsuka is one of the stops these HR Management, Public Relations and Marketing students made. In the past, such overseas study groups have traveled to Denmark and China. Next year will the United States.

It was a short but a very important visit for the visitors as most did not know much about Japan to begin with, let alone how companies are run in Japan. The students were very interested in Otsuka’s unique approach and venture spirit and felt that Otsuka respects human beings as well as the environment.

Student Reactions Lada Dibrova was impressed with Otsuka’s creative approach. “Otsuka's particularity is the fact that its field of work is science yet it has a very creative approach.

Precision and rigor are the key factors when you create pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products so it seems that there is no place for originality. Yet Otsuka turned this around and made creativity and diversity its primary values.

From what I have seen during the presentation it is these values that made Otsuka the leader on the market and helped take another step on the way of solving some of society's essential problems like schizophrenia and world hunger. I also think Otsuka is a company that really values its employees and creates a positive working environment.”

Stephanie Scott said, “I wasn’t aware that Gerblé was held by Otsuka Pharmaceutical, so now I know that Otsuka isn’t only a pharmaceutical company but also a nutrition company.”

Another ISEFAC student, Doriane Gouas-Vadot shared, “My first impression of Otsuka was that it is obvious that Otsuka is with an international scope. Just look at the website, it positively breaks the rules usually respected by pharmaceutical companies and gives the impression that the company is very close to patients.”

Our philosophy Mr. Byunghoon Lee gave a presentation about Otsuka’s culture to the French master’s degree students by beginning with Otsuka Group’s philosophy: Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide.

This philosophy has driven employees to create great things and grow the company in a unique way. In order to explain the philosophy, slides with the four main points were used to explain further; ‘Otsuka-people’, ‘For better health’, ‘Creativity’ and ‘Diversity’.

First, Otsuka’s most important asset is its employees who follow these four main pillars. Secondly, Otsuka is a for-profit company, but approaches ‘healthcare’ in the sincerest way possible. Thirdly, Otsuka people must use their ‘creativity’ and practice their ‘diversity’ in order to accomplish their ultimate goal of ‘creating new products for better health worldwide’.

Otsuka’s creativity starts with ‘paradigm shift’ and embracing ‘diversity’ of Otsuka people and their ideas. To better explain the concept, the presentation was wrapped up with the turning of the flat world map upside down to show the guests that Otsuka employees are always encouraged to think differently rather than to follow the convention.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0402_01.html

A new Office for National Statistics (ONS) study has indicated that Japanese women have the longest life expectancy among women in 21 selected countries – an average of 86.4 years.*1

In an aging society with an increasing average lifespan, data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare indicate that the gap between healthy life expectancy and average life expectancy is 9.2 years for men and 12.8 years for women. This means that women are spending around one-seventh of their actual life either bedridden or in care. Because the extension of healthy life expectancy and better quality of life for women is becoming more important, the Japanese government has made women’s health one of the pillars of the government’s "New Health Frontier Strategy".

Research into equol began in 1996 at the Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute For many years of soy research, Otsuka Pharmaceutical has focused on the relationship between equol and psychological and physical changes in menopausal women. In 2002 the Lactococcus 20-92, which produces equol, was successfully isolated. Both the Pharmaceuticals Business Division and the Nutraceuticals*2 Business Division have conducted a range of research in both Japan and the US into the safety and efficacy of equol produced using this lactic acid bacterium to ferment soy germ (natural S-equol).

After 18 years of research Otsuka launches EQUELLE, a food product containing equol for women during and after menopause EQUELLE is a processed food made with lactic acid bacteria from fermented soy germ containing equol. Equol, produced from a soy isoflavone, especially daidzein, in the intestine is known to act like an estrogen. But only around 50% of Japanese women and 30% of European and American women have the capacity to produce it. It is important to all women to continuously take equol to maintain and improve health.

A joint US-Japan equol research collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Business Division of Otsuka Pharmaceutical proves that we are the field leader in the research of safety and efficacy of equol. This study contributes to women’s health who are 40 and over during and after menopause. The company has also isolated the lactic acid bacterium that produces equol and developed technology to produce equol by fermenting soy germ.

Caring for their health during this stage of life will enhance the quality of life and life expectancy Rapid falls in estrogen levels among women from their forties onwards causes a range of physical and psychological changes, and accurate knowledge and information about these changes is desirable for proper management. In addition, proper care during this stage of life has significant implications for the lives of women as they age, and is important for extending healthy life expectancy.

However, women sometimes suffer alone, unable to obtain information on what they need to do, and when. Staff with expert knowledge will be located throughout Japan to explain to women 40 and over about the importance of healthcare and the role of equol at their health stage.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. launched EQUELLE at pharmacies, hospitals and clinics across Japan and the product will also be available via the Otsuka Plus One e-commerce website.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0401_02.html

In Japan, finding day care service is extremely difficult. The “Beanstalk Kids Center OSAKA” that opened on April 1st right next to the new Osaka office building, is located in the proximity of Otsuka Group offices in an urban area of Osaka, where the problem of long day care waiting lists is particularly severe.*1 Beanstalk Kids Center OSAKA was built for Otsuka employees.

Company senior management is committed to child care Company Senior Managements is committed to child care because Chairman Akihiko Otsuka has always believed in utilizing the talents of a diverse group of individuals to create innovative products and ideas.

Therefore, day care service has always been an important aspect for Otsuka. Also, to promote the efforts of a more diverse employee base, Otsuka has been introducing systems such as flexible working hours, paid caregiver leave, and telecommuting arrangements.

More than 80% of children on waiting lists for day care are younger than 2.1 Otsuka’s second day care center accepts infants as young as 57 days old. Although Japanese day care centers are open for 10.5 hours a day on average,2 Otsuka’s day care center will be open for up to 12.5 hours in order to more easily accommodate the schedules of Otsuka employees.

Otsuka’s first day care center expands due to the high demand from employees The first day care center, the “Tokushima Beanstalk Kids Center” was opened in Tokushima three years ago. The number of applicants has increased because of the center’s popularity, and it now cares for more than 3 times the number of children it did when it first opened. The Tokushima Beanstalk Kids’ Center can now accommodate 150 children, up from 100. That is very rare as most Japanese day care centers managed by companies for their employees only offer placements for 30 children.*2 Otsuka has plans to open more day care centers in Japan and overseas.

Carefully and thoughtfully designed day care center Luxurious and rare in any day care centers, tall north-facing windows allow in large amounts of indirect sunlight into the center. Low eaves just like a traditional Japanese veranda also create the visual effect of large open space that offers children a creative space to learn and grow. The interior space utilizes natural materials such as wood and cork (flooring).

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0401_01.html

Otsuka Group welcomed 424 new employees at the annual New Staff Ceremony that was held on April 1st, 2014. Among them, 194 were accepted into Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., thirty more new employees compared to last year.

In his welcoming speech to the new hires, Dr. Taro Iwamoto, president & representative director, Otsuka Pharmaceutical said, “Otsuka is a challenger that grows through creativity. For that, we need leadership, innovation and diversity.”

Each year on April 1st, many college graduates start a new chapter in their lives as a new employee in Japanese companies.

At Otsuka, the annual orientation for the new staff is held at the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Inc. in Tokushima (an hour and half flight south of Tokyo). That’s where Otsuka Pharmaceutical was founded nearly 50 years ago.

Mr. Tatsuo Higuchi, president & representative director, and CEO of Otsuka Holdings began the ceremony by saying,

““Truth through sweat” means that knowledge alone is not enough, that it is only through our own exertions that we learn the true nature of things. “Proof through Execution” refers to achieving self-realization and arriving at the truth through one's own accomplishments. “Creativity” is the pursuit of creating that which only Otsuka can, imitating no one. These together are the foundation of the Otsuka Group's business – guiding us all, without straying or losing our way, on a path that is straight and true.”

Dr. Taro Iwamoto, president & representative director, Otsuka Pharmaceutical asked the confident, bright and young new staff what leadership meant to them.

“Otsuka is a challenger that grows through creativity. For that, we need leadership, innovation and diversity,” said Dr. Iwamoto. He also cautioned them not to be scared of failures, “Without failing, you cannot succeed. I want you to be challengers and go out into the world to learn from your failures and succeed!”

Of the 194 new employees coming to Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 10 of them are mid-career hires while the rest are new graduates from universities. The best and the brightest are recruited from Japan and overseas to join the Otsuka family.

View of Otsuka through the eyes of a new recruit Ryo Watanabe is one of Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s new hires. While still in graduate school, he had come across an article about Otsuka.

“When I read in the article that Otsuka continued research for one drug for several decades, until it was able to create something unique, useful and successful, I knew that I wanted to be part of a company that won’t give up easily.”

In his speech to all the company heads at the new staff ceremony, he said that Otsuka has a lot of attractive products. The reason for that is because Otsuka utilizes the talents of diverse group of individuals. And through discussions as well as clashes, new ideas are born that lead to unique products. With that in mind, he said he and his peers look forward to their work at Otsuka enthusiastically.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0326_01.html

The awards ceremony for the 60th annual Okochi Prize (awarded by the Okochi Memorial Foundation) was held on March 26 at the Industrial Club of Japan. The highest honor, the Okochi Memorial Prize was awarded to the Otsuka researchers for the development of aripiprazole, a drug for the treatment of schizophrenia.

The Otsuka recipients received the highest honor, the Okochi Memorial Prize, for the development of aripiprazole. At the awards ceremony, Corporate Advisor Yasuo Oshiro, on behalf all of the recipients, thanked the Foundation for the award, and stated the recipients’ determination to contribute to society, as expressed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s corporate motto “Otsuka—people creating new products for better health worldwide.”

What is the Okochi Prize? The Okochi Memorial Foundation was established in 1954 in honor of Dr. Masatoshi Okochi, who was the third president of the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research and who held that position from 1917 to 1946, for his contributions to academia and industry. The Foundation began awarding prizes for the purpose of “promoting the use of science and technology for practical applications.”

The Okochi Prizes are awarded to individuals, groups of individuals, or companies to recognize their contributions to Japan’s industrial technology. Each year, one Okochi Memorial Production Prize and five Okochi Memorial Technology Prizes are awarded. And recipients are selected following careful review by a review board consisting of 20 individuals, including university professors, and by the board of directors of the Okochi Memorial Foundation.

Aripiprazole has been approved in more than 70 countries around the world, and is the only third- generation drug recognized for the treatment of schizophrenia, having a novel structure that is not possessed by conventional drugs, which have a carbostyril skeleton.

Aripiprazole acts as a partial D2 receptor agonist to stabilize neurotransmision and improve both the positive and the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and is also characterized by fewer adverse reactions.

The Okochi Memorial Prize was awarded based not only on the results that have been achieved in the field of life sciences, but also on the achievements that have been attained in the field of production technology, such as the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation Imperial Invention Prize received in 2012.

Aripiprazole is manufactured using a cost-effective manufacturing method that allows a large quantity of high-purity product to be manufactured and a process in which a water-based solvent with little environmental impact is used. Bulk manufacture has achieved zero emission status. A method allowing the stable manufacture of specific anhydride crystals, which had previously been difficult, was achieved through the inventiveness and creativity of manufacturing personnel. The establishment of a robust manufacturing process in the Production Department has enabled stable supply of drug substance on a commercial scale.

Many of the people working in the Manufacturing Department who contributed greatly to aripiprazole’s success attended the awards ceremony and were recognized for their achievement.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0320_01.html

At the “Healthcare in Asia 2014”, leaders and numerous other senior officials from national governments and international agencies from Asian countries, including The Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, gave speeches to share their thoughts on how to move forward with healthcare for Asian countries. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. was the lead sponsor for this annual event hosted by the Economist Conferences, publisher of the esteemed magazine The Economist. The event was held on March 20th and March 21st in Singapore.

Patrizia Carlevaro, the Managing Director of Otsuka SA in Geneva, Switzerland, spoke during a session highlighting the issue of multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Asia.

Ms. Carlevaro said after HIV/AIDS, TB remains the second greatest infectious disease killer in the world. In 2012, TB caused 8.6 million new illnesses and 1.3 million deaths. The disease is present in every country in the world and knows no borders. Nonetheless, Asia shares its disproportionate burden, with almost 60% of the incidences of all forms of TB.

Ms. Carlevaro continued to explain that we have few tools to enable us to win with TB. Most current diagnostic tools and vaccines are largely ineffective, and treatment options are limited. Moreover, in the last 40 years only 2 new TB drugs have been approved.

Government and donor intervention is necessary. Private industry cannot conquer TB alone. With almost 9 million people getting sick every year, clearly, TB control is in worldwide public interest and can be thought of as a public good. The private sector plays a significant role in the provision of TB care, hence it must be included in any public health approach to TB control.

In Indonesia almost 40% of patients consult private practitioners in case of illness. In India about 80% of all the qualified doctors, 75% of the dispensaries, 60% of the hospitals, and 75% of the country’s health expenditure are all in the private sector.

Apart from the need for political commitment, more funding and medical research is crucial along with involving all the health care providers—both public and private—into the debate. Especially in Asia, as a large proportion of patients consult private doctors, go to private hospitals, and buy from private pharmacists, TB cannot be controlled unless the private practitioners are involved.

Not enough is done to overcome these obstacles. The political commitment to controlling TB in some governments remains low. And, since TB knows no borders, unless everyone joins, no one can fully win.

As the lead sponsor of Healthcare in Asia, Otsuka had a booth where Otsuka staffs were on hand to explain facts about MDR-TB and the company’s long-standing commitment to TB research and development. Visitors to the booth also enjoyed refreshing rehydrating POCARI SWEAT and nutritional SOYJOY bars.

Lead sponsor: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Supporting sponsors: Cigna, Mundipharma International, Pfizer, Philips, Vifor Pharma

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0304_01.html

A glass-clad tower that reflects the sky is Otsuka Osaka’s unique and innovative presence that is now the new office for Otsuka group companies in Japan’s second largest city. This new building with unprecedented construction method with window frames function as load-bearing pillars, eliminating pillars throughout the office areas and creating unique open and airy spaces, was designed to bring out the best from a diverse group of employees.

Instead of the common approach of straight beams located inside windows, Otsuka’s new office building employs crossed, slanted beams for increased strength also functioning as seismic control structures. Incorporating the windows into the beams makes the office more spacious and inviting. Pillars have been placed diagonally for increased strength and incorporated into the window frames to make the workspaces larger and easier to use.

The generous expanse of glass reflects the sky, resulting in a bright, translucent presence. The innovative design is characterized by glass extending all the way to the corners. The bright open space is to allow each individual the freedom to utilize his or her own unique creative instincts to come up with innovative ideas and products. We expect our new workplace to generate flexible thinking and original ideas, freed from conventional stereotypes.

Old Boys’ (Old Girls’) Club is another area where creative juices can be exchanged without the seriousness of a conference room. OB Club first opened its doors at the Tokyo headquarters in Kanda in 1986. Less than a year later, Osaka office opened its own. To continue the idea of offering a relaxing space for employees to gather, a new OB Club was added in the Shinagawa office in 2007. With the opening of the new office is Osaka, the former Osaka OB Club was replaced with a new one.

Otsuka believes that utilizing the talents of a diverse group of individuals who are not constrained by nationality, gender, or other prejudices promotes innovation and globalization, and Otsuka will therefore continue its efforts to create an employee-friendly work environment.

This is Otsuka Group’s second office building in Osaka.

Atop Osaka’s first Otsuka office building, still in use, is the upside down map that can be seen from the new building.

Chairman Otsuka had come across an artist who depicted the world map upside down. That was when it struck him that Otsuka needs to view the world in a totally new way, other than how it has always been depicted.

It is to remind Otsuka employees to think differently rather than to follow the convention that this map is prominently displayed on top of the building.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0303_01.html

Otsuka Pharmaceutical is the first pharmaceutical company to be awarded the “Diversity Management Selection 100”, for successfully creating a more female-friendly workplace.

This award is given by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to companies that have used diversity management to increase their value, as a way of increasing recognition and awareness of efforts to promote diversity and increasing the number of companies who promote diversity. The ministry plans to give this award to approximately 100 companies in total over a 3-year period, which started in 2012. In 2012, 43 companies received the award and 2013, 46 received it.

In the opening speech of the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ms. Midori Matsushima said, “It is Otsuka’s hope that the promotion of diversity by various means will contribute not only to the company’s growth, but to the growth of the entire Japanese economy. Otsuka would like to see the best practices of the companies receiving this award spur the growth and expansion of Japanese industry.”

Ms. Matsushima pointed out that, “Different companies are employing various means to achieve results. Otsuka Pharmaceuticals’ SoyCarat, which is prominently displayed in many stores, was developed by a female researcher. The Japanese name for this snack, “SoyKara,” comes from the rattling sound of the snack “kara kara”, when the soybean pods are shaken.” Making the product enjoyable to all five senses and a healthy one too, since it is baked and not fried.

Women account for 11.4% of Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s executives, compared to industry average of 1.2%1. More than 20% of Otsuka’s MRs are female, compared to an average of 10% at other companies.2 The number of female Otsuka employees who continue to work after giving birth is 11 times higher than what it was 6 years ago in 2007 when Otsuka Women’s Workshops were first held. Otsuka has also implemented flexible work arrangements to allow for child care and has made it its goal to open more company day care centers.

Mothers-to-be get full pay before and after birth (during maternity leave), including full bonus pay even though the law mandates two-thirds pay and can get up to 1.5 years of maternity/child care leave. To help Otsuka’s employees who are parents with young children, they can opt for shortened work days, which are available to those with children not yet in first grade. Also flexible work hours, from confirmation of the pregnancy until the child enters 8th grade is available.

Since the 1980s, when the concept of “diversity” was not yet widely recognized, Otsuka Pharmaceutical has believed that the creation of innovative products and ideas requires utilizing the talents of a diverse group of individuals. The Otsuka senior management has been promoting diversity aggressively since then.

Starting in the 1990s, Otsuka made a more female-friendly workplace a specific goal, with initiatives that included organizing “Women’s Forums.” There’s also Otsuka Women’s Workshops for sharing information about child care with female MRs who are married, pregnant, or have given birth. These workshops have been held since 2007. Male employees are not left out. There are “Ikumen” seminars (“Ikumen” - a Japanese term that loosely means “involved dad”) aimed primarily at male employees to promote a healthy work—life balance.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0228_01.html

On February 28, Otsuka Pharmaceutical signed a five-year extension of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare for cooperation in pharmaceutical product research and development.

The signing ceremony took place on a hazy but fine day in a conference room at the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sejong-ro. Otsuka was the first Japanese company to complete such a Memorandum, with the initial agreement signed on September 9, 2009.

Representing South Korea at the signing were Ministry of Health and Welfare Mr. Youngchan Lee and Mr. Seokkyu Lee from the Health Industry Promotion Division. Four Otsuka representatives attended: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., President & Representative Director, Taro Iwamoto, Ph.D.; Korea OIAA Chairman, Dae-hyun Yoo, Ph.D.;
Korea Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company President, Mr. Sung-ho Moon and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Deputy General Manager, Headquarters of New Product Evaluation and Development, Mr. Mitsuo Hamamoto, began the ceremony by thanking Otsuka Pharmaceutical for its contribution to South Korea and for its initial decision to invest in the country.

In response, Otsuka explained the importance of South Korea in its pharmaceutical business expansion in Asia, emphasizing the contribution will continue to make medical treatment available for patients in Asia, including South Korea. The signing ceremony was characterized by a spirit of goodwill.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical vowed to continue to promote friendly relations between Japan and South Korea, and to support drug development and development of human resources in South Korea.

Part of that commitment was manifested earlier that month when nine South Korean medical students took part in the Korean Pharmaceutical Student Study Tour 2014 to Japan, the third time the tour has been held. These recipients of Otsuka Pharmaceutical awards at the Pharm Young Leader Academy, sponsored by the Korean Pharmaceutical Association had been recommended by South Korea’s academic affairs board.

The students learned about the spirit and culture of Otsuka with the aim of training them to become future leaders, internationally as well as in South Korea. They learned about the Otsuka philosophy of breaking down fixed ideas by challenging concepts and prevailing common sense. The tour is an extension of the MOU between Otsuka and the South Korean government’s Ministry of Health and Welfare for building a cooperative relationship on pharmaceutical research and development in South Korea.

The students got to observe the manufacturing of intravenous infusions – the origin of Otsuka Pharmaceutical as well as visit the Otsuka Museum of Art. Both in the lectures and during various visits, frank questions flowed in a lively fashion with youthful enthusiasm and sharpness. Each and every young person took full advantage of the training, taking their own particular learning and experiences home with them.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0214_02.html

The Otsuka Museum of Art hosted the fifth Sistine Kabuki production – The Marriage of Figaro – for 3 days, on February 14, 15, and 16. Tickets sold out almost as soon as they went on sale. Two performances were held each day in Tokushima, Japan and were attended by about 2600 visitors.

From its inception, "Sistine Kabuki" productions have been based on the themes of Japanese-Western collaboration and the creation of innovative kabuki theater.

The current production – the Marriage of Figaro – is the first Sistine Kabuki comedy, and was based on Mozart's opera of the same name. Kazuo Mizuguchi produced and directed, and Kanjuro Fujima handled the choreography. Amidst the strains of Western and Japanese traditional music performed by the Tokushima Indoor String Quartet, two large stages, one in front and one in the rear of the audience, connected by an elevated "flower way" walkway, as well as a small stage placed almost in the middle of the "flower way," used the majesty of the 40-meter Sistine Hall to great effect.

The Marriage of Figaro was set in Spain, but for this production the setting was moved to the country of Awa (present-day Tokushima), and the story was modified somewhat. Starting with the third performance, Ainosuke Kataoka played the roles corresponding to both Figaro and the Ronin who appears in this production. Kazutaro Nakamura played the role of Susanna, Kichiya Kamimura played the role of Countess Rosina Almaviva, Shouzou Uesugi played the role of Count Almaviva, and Miya Setouchi, a former star of the Takarazuka Review musical theater troupe and a native of Tokushima, played the role of Marcellina.

The love story of Figaro, the head of Count Almaviva's servant-staff, and his bride-to-be Susanna is complicated by Countess Rosina's desire for revenge against her husband the count, who is attempting to seduce Susanna, by the efforts of Marcellina to use trickery to compel Figaro to marry her, and by the efforts of the Ronin to re-establish his house and title. The tanuki "racoon dog" legends of the land of Awa and the machinations of the various characters came to life in the Otsuka Museum of Art's Sistine Hall.

The Sistine Kabuki productions have attracted considerable media attention for the use of flamenco in the third production (GOEMON) and modern music and Western dance in the previous production (Shiro Amakusa). This production continued this trend, incorporating samba rhythms, and including songs sung by the performers, which is extremely rare in kabuki, and has thus led to this production attracting attention as a "Kabuki musical."

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0214_01.html

The Nikkei Asian Infectious Diseases Conference was held on February 14 and 15, 2014 in Nago City, Okinawa in order to discuss measures for preventing the spread of communicable diseases in Asia. The Okinawa prefectural government and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare provided support for the conference, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical participated as a cosponsor. Otsuka presented the panel discussion on tuberculosis, which was one of the important panel discussions at the conference.

About the tuberculosis panel discussion: Tuberculosis is one of the three leading communicable diseases in the world, along with malaria and AIDS. Tuberculosis is said to infect one-third of the world’s population of 7 billion. Tuberculosis is a problem of the present, not the past, and not only is it a problem in developed countries, it is an even more serious problem in Asia and in developing countries. The discussion covered recent advances that have been made by Otsuka Pharmaceutical in response to the demand for new drugs, and what steps are needed to combat tuberculosis in the future.

“Overcoming Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Through Innovation” Dr. Hiroshi Ishikawa, Fellow, Otsuka Pharmaceutical The reason there have been no new tuberculosis drugs in 50 years is that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a tough organism, and development is difficult and requires a tremendous amount of time and money.

Why did Otsuka Pharmaceutical want to take on such a challenge? One reason is that for more than 40 years Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s corporate philosophy has been to improve the health of people around the world. A second reason is related to Otsuka’s global presence – Otsuka opened a plant in Thailand in 1973 and one in China in 1980, and now has approximately 30,000 employees around the world, 70% of whom are employed overseas. And 70% of these overseas workers are in Asia, and are therefore living, with their families, in high-burden tuberculosis countries. A third reason is that, since opening a research institute in 1971, Otsuka’s stated research mission has been to not conduct any imitative research, but to conduct research that is unique to Otsuka, research that, in fact, only Otsuka is capable of conducting, in order to discover first-in-class drugs. Moreover, Otsuka was able to forcefully pursue tuberculosis research because it was the idea of Akihiko Otsuka, Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s current Chairman.

Research began in 1982 but efficacy was not met and the research failed. Because tuberculosis is a tough organism that grows slowly over 24 hours, Otsuka instead adopted an approach that involved searching for a drug that was not only potent, but also toxic, and then trying to ameliorate the toxicity later. This is the exact opposite of the conventional approach. Together with partner laboratories, Otsuka synthesized 14,000 types of compounds and, in 2002, discovered a promising novel compound; clinical studies were initiated in 2004.

As a future research activity, Otsuka would like to try to establish a global regimen that includes new tuberculosis drugs in order to prevent the emergence of strains that are resistant to new drugs. Dr. Ishikawa said that Otsuka’s aim is to discover an anti-tuberculosis drug that can be used to treat latent tuberculosis infections and that can cure tuberculosis quickly, in 1 to 2 months, in order to prevent the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains.

“Controlling TB and MDR-TB in Asia, and the Role of Japan” Dr. Tadao Shimao, Advisor, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and the movement of people from developing to developed countries (the moving of tuberculosis/communicable diseases) are major problems in Asia and Japan. Around the globe, 940,000 people die of tuberculosis, approximately 70% of them in Asia, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis accounts for 187,000 deaths. Dr. Shimao said that Japan’s role should be to develop simple techniques that allow multidrug-resistant strains to be detected and new drugs to follow in the footsteps of Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s new anti-tuberculosis drug.

“Forgotten But Far From Gone” Professor Lee Reichman, Executive Director, New Jersey Medical School Global Tuberculosis Institute Every year, there are 450,000 cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Pandemic regions are Southeast Asia, which accounts for 40%, Africa, which accounts for 26%, and the Central and South America, which accounts for 19%. Overlapping infection with HIV or the presence of a multidrug-resistant strain results in a cure rate of no more than approximately 50%. In the absence of a cure, the death rate is 90%. New drugs that can effect a rapid cure and new drugs that can be used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and that have little hepatotoxicity and few drug interactions are needed. Even though tuberculosis is the world’s tenth most lethal disease, only 5 to 8 products are currently in development. Tuberculosis is a disease that must not be forgotten, as it is far from gone.

About the Nikkei Asian Infectious Diseases Conference The conference was attended by researchers and governmental representatives from all over Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia; there were 30 presenters, and 150 participants in all, from both Japan and abroad. Japan is closely connected to other countries in Asia through a web of economic, personal and other ties. Communicable diseases pose the biggest danger to health in Asia, and Japan needs to play a leading role in combating them. The official statement of the conference asserted the need for the creation of an Asian network for fighting communicable diseases.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0207_01.html

After claiming the right to play in J1 League*1, after beating 3rd placed Kyoto Sanga 2-0 in the playoff final, Tokushima Vortis became the first team ever from the Shikoku region to play in the top league in Japan. They are now training hard in order to stay in J1 League they had fought so hard to get in.

The name Vortis Vortis was coined from the Italian word 'vortice', which means 'whirlpool'. In Naruto City, part of the club's hometown, you can see lively whirling tides at the Naruto Strait. The name was chosen to exhibit the dynamics of a whirlpool in the hope of swallowing up the whole audience in excitement by its power, speed and unity.

Every match, the team tries its best to engage its fans by giving their best. With players from Brazil and South Korea as members of its team, Vortis has been a force to be reckoned with.

The team may have come from a small hometown but the passion is enormous Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four principal islands and the club's hometown is the entire prefecture of Tokushima, including the prefectural capital of Tokushima City.

After being founded as the soccer division of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Inc. in 1955, the club entered the Japan Football League (JFL) via the Japan Soccer League. In 2005 as the club entered the J. League and participated in J2, it adopted the current name, Tokushima Vortis. The team has been sponsored by POCARI SWEAT since entering the J. League.

A leader and a coach loved by all Tokushima Vortis coach Shinji Kobayashi, was appointed ahead of the 2012 season. In 2002 he won the J2 title with Oita Trinita and he also guided Montedio Yamagata to a second-place finish and promotion to J1 in 2008. He has demonstrated his skills with Vortis too and has been nicknamed the 'promotion contractor'.

Having started his career as a teacher, Coach Kobayashi said he has found pure joy in nurturing his players and watching them succeed in their own soccer careers.

Vortis’ continues to nurture future stars Unlike any big budget teams that have the ability to acquire established soccer players, Vortis is a team that offers opportunities to those who were passed over. Because Vortis a team that nurtures today’s athletes to becoming tomorrow’s superstars.

The Biggest Challenge Coach Kobayashi promised his team to keep all original players and pointed out that it was extremely important for the team members to not get seriously injured. Another must is for the team to up its game by shortening their response times. He said J1 is totally different from J2. J1 team players have remarkable stamina and speed. And of course, fans’ support and cheering them on live at the matches make all the difference!

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0120_01.html

Otsuka Pharmaceuticals signed a partnership contract for the 17th Asian Games (Incheon 2014) and the 18th Asian Games (Hanoi 2019) at the General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia that was held in Manila, the Philippines on January 18. This contract makes Otsuka Pharmaceuticals’ POCARI SWEAT the official drink of the Asian Games, the largest sports competition in Asia, through 2019 and the sole Japanese corporate sponsor.

The first Asian Games were held in 1951 in New Delhi, India and only 500 competitors from 11 countries participated. At the 16th Asian Games, however, which were held in 2010 in Guangzhou, China, 9704 competitors from 45 countries participated, making the Asian Games the largest sporting event in Asia. The Asian Games are referred to as the Asian Olympics, governed by the Olympic Council of Asia, and boasts the largest number of sporting competitions in the world. They are held once every 4 years, and starting with the 2019 Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, they will be held on the year before the Olympics, a timing which is expected to further increase their profile as a prelude to the Olympics.

Hanoi, with a population of 6.5 million, is the second-largest city in Vietnam. After it was announced that the 2019 Asian Games would be held in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government announced plans to accelerate investment in infrastructure nationwide, and it is said that Vietnam’s GDP growth between 2008 – 2025 will be the highest in the world. POCARI SWEAT’S brand recognition appears poised to increase along with Vietnam’s rapid growth.

The population of Asian Games member countries totals approximately 3.8 billion*1, which accounts for about half of the world population. Otsuka Pharmaceutical believes that sports are an important element of health for people in Asian countries, which are growing and changing dynamically, and will supply POCARI SWEAT as the official drink. This ion beverage is sold in 17 countries and regions, mainly in Asia. POCARI SWEAT quickly replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost through perspiration to support athlete conditioning and aid maximum performance. Otsuka Pharmaceutical is currently the sole Japanese partner of the Games.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical first expanded overseas 40 years ago, starting with Asia (Thailand in 1973, Taiwan and Indonesia in 1974). The OIAA3 Division is currently expanding both pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals4 businesses in Asian and Arab countries and business scale has grown tenfold in the last decade.

Otsuka Pharmaceuticals has been an active partner at three past Asian Games (the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, and the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar). During each of these games, Otsuka set up base camps for POCARI SWEAT, the official beverage of the games, in the athletes’ village to provide support activities, focusing on water replenishment, to ensure that the competitors stayed in good condition. Through these activities, Otsuka built a good relationship with the Olympic Council of Asia.

The Incheon Games will open on September 19. The slogan for the Incheon Games is “Diversity Shines Here,” indicating the goal of an athletic competition where all of the competitors can come together as a single family while still respecting each other’s individuality.

In 2014 and 2019 POCARI SWEAT will be the symbol that unites everyone in the Otsuka Group. We look forward to continuing to receive your support and encouragement in the future.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2014/0115_01.html

On November 8th, 2013 the strongest typhoon that hit the earth landed in the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan’s wind strength at landfall beat out Hurricane Camille’s, which were 305 km-per-hour winds (190 miles-per-hour winds) at landfall in the US in 1969. The aftermath was devastating, with 6,166 deaths as of January 3rd, 2014 (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council), 28,626 injured, 1,785 missing and 4 million people displaced.

How Otsuka Responded Soon after the typhoon hit and the weather settled down a bit for Otsuka staff to move around safely, 200 cases of POCARI SWEAT was donated to Emergency Rescue Foundation, which was already reaching out directly to displaced people in Ormoc, Cebu, Leyte and Samar. By the second week, volunteer doctors from Manila flew to Tacloban to conduct medical missions for the typhoon victims and 50 more cases of POCARI SWEAT was donated to help hydrate patients suffering from illnesses where oral rehydration was essential.

Seven power generator sets were delivered to doctors holding clinics in Ormoc Province which was without electricity since the onslaught of Typhoon Haiyan. They were requested by the doctors in Ormoc province and the generators were provided through the CSR arm of OPPI "Otsuka Cares". The power generators enabled the doctors to continuously attend to their patients in their temporary clinics. Many agencies and volunteers have started their activities in Tacloban, while there are many areas where no assistance has reached yet. The medical mission conducted by ERUF, our partner, was the first assistance in Barangay Macabug, Ormoc City.

Otsuka Will Help in Rebuilding As we are a primarily a health care company, OPPI deemed it best to use consolidated donated funds of different Otsuka affiliates including the personal donations of OPPI employees for a project that will cater to the health needs of victims particularly for the rehabilitation of Rural Health Unit II located at Barangay Sulangan, Guiuan, Samar, one of the areas severely affected by the typhoon. To stand with fellow brothers and sisters, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Philippines Inc. (OPPI) canceled the annual Christmas Party and used the fund to help typhoon victims. We are extremely proud how Otsuka staff came together for all the efforts to help out the people in the Philippines. We are so grateful to all for giving us hope!

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/1208_01.html

It was a perfect end to a J1 League qualifying final show down! With no question on who the winner was. Tokushima Vortis made history by becoming the first team ever to ascend to J1 (the top J. League) out from Shikoku, after beating Kyoto Sanga F.C. 2 – 0.

It was a long 2013 J2 year for Vortis, ranking fourth in J2 when they played against JEF UNITED CHIBA in the semi-finals. They tied. But since the opposing team was ranked 5th, Vortis automatically got to move onto the play-offs against Kyoto Sanga F.C., who was one place ahead of Vortis in J2 League.

Vortis did not disappoint. It did even better than anyone had expected. First goal delivered by Mitsuru Chiyotanda after 39 minutes of the first half.

The crowds roared with the lead-in goal as Kyoto Sanga F.C. kept a strong offense pushing forward trying to get itself back in the game, but Tokushima did not weaken its defense. And it wasn’t long before Tokushima doubled its lead with powerful shot from Vortis. This time, Tomohiro Tsuda helped seal the victory two minutes before the first half ended.

The result knocked the Kyoto members out of J1 League and the dream of entering J1 League for Vortis was finally granted as the second half of the game ended without any goals from both sides.

History was made on Sunday, not just for Shikoku successfully sending its first team to J1 League, but it was also the last J. League game played at the National Stadium before it will be rebuilt for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Tokushima Vortis is a soccer club in Japan’s professional league, J. League. The club, which emerged from a soccer club at Otsuka, was established in 2004 in cooperation with Tokushima city and prefectural authorities, aiming to bring new vibrancy to the region. It has been playing in the J2 league since 2005.

The club is actively involved in community contribution activities in cooperation with the Prefectural Board of Education, including helping to create the J. League’s first supplementary reader for a physical fitness textbook and a food education program.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/1203_01.html

Otsuka Pakistan Ltd. held a ceremony in Islamabad on December 3rd to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Otsuka Welfare Clinic (OWC), which was founded in Peshawar, Pakistan in order to provide health care to Afghan refugees. About 100 guests, including the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, attended the ceremony.

When the conflict in Afghanistan sent over a million refugees over the Pakistan border a decade earlier, many companies donated money for their care in Peshawar. But more often than not, those aids did not reach the hands of the needy. Chairman Akihiko Otsuka asked himself what can be done to directly assist the refugees, who were mainly women and children. Mr. Otsuka decided to build a clinic in Peshawar offering free medical care for those who left everything behind when they fled Afghanistan.

Ms. Naveeda Khanum one of the attendees at the 10th Anniversary Celebration event has been with OWC for ten years as a pharmacist. She said, “Otsuka Welfare Clinic is providing the refugees the best services available as they are not getting these types of services anywhere else in Peshawar, in Pakistan.”

On the first day Otsuka Welfare Clinic opened, only 7 patients visited the clinic. Through repeated visits by clinical staff to each refugee camp to build trust with the locals and publicize the clinic’s activities, the clinic has grown to the point where it is now seeing about 150 patients every day. In the 10 years since the clinic opened, it has treated more than 700,000 people in all.

Because many of the patients are female, there are female doctors in residence at the clinic as well. When treating Afghan refugees, language is critical for mutual understanding, and the clinic needs to have doctors than can speak not only Urdu, the language spoken in Pakistan, but also Pashto and Dari, the languages spoken in Afghanistan . The female physicians that work at the clinic can speak all of these languages. Today there are still 1~1.2 million refugees living in Pakistan. The refugees still do not have access to appropriate medical care.

When the clinic was opened, it was initially expected that it cease operations after about 5 years. However, because of the conditions in the area, the clinic has continued its activities for 10 years. Given that corporate support for refugees normally ends after a short time, Otsuka Welfare Clinic which has continued to directly support refugees for a long period of time providing not only treatment, but also drugs, free of charge has a good reputation among the local community.

Under Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s corporate motto of “Otsuka – people creating new products for better health worldwide”, Otsuka will continue to develop businesses that make it its mission to support the health of people everywhere in the world, and will continue pursuing the vision of improving health and contributing to local societies as a health care company.

His Excellency Mr. Hiroshi Inomata in his speech as Chief Guest applauded all those who are working at Otsuka Welfare Clinic as well as those who are supporting their cause and praised them highly. He also appreciated the role of Otsuka Pakistan in continuous running of this clinic for patients coming from Afghan refugees and local residents.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/1203_02.html

Chiaki Sakurai, Senior Operating Officer (SOO), Head of Cosmedics Department Was Invited as a Panelist On the day of the discussion, December 3, 2013, there were helicopters flying in the blue skies over the Hikarie building in front of Shibuya Station. When I arrived at DeNA headquarters, the site of the discussion, I was greeted by police dogs, and was ushered into the waiting room after passing through a rigorous security check. The other panelists were industrialists and entrepreneurs, including Tomoko Namba, the founder of DeNA, the company hosting the discussion, and Calbee CEO Akira Takahashi. My role at the discussion was not to present myself as a female entrepreneur, but to show how an ordinary female employee can transform her career inside a large organization. I particularly wanted to show how the company had given someone like me, by no means a stereotypically driven career woman, such an opportunity, and also that diversity is about understanding and accepting the uniqueness of all individuals in an organization – in other words, that embracing diversity does not mean providing women with preferential treatment.

I only learned about one week in advance of my invitation to attend a panel discussion on “Women and the Economy” (the third arrow of “Abenomics”) that was to be held during US Vice-President Joseph Biden’s visit to Japan. It was a great honor for Otsuka Pharmaceutical to be selected as one of only six Japanese companies invited to send a representative to the panel discussion and, although I was pleased to have Otsuka’s long-standing support of diversity recognized, the news that I was being asked to personally attend came as a bit of a shock.

Understanding the Importance of Perseverance I was starting to feel as if I were in over my head, and was getting cold feet, but there was nowhere to go, and the time for the panel discussion had arrived. Surrounded by tough-looking security police, Vice-President Biden, US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, and Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Catherine Russell arrived. I had no time to collect myself before the discussion started. Ambassador-at-Large Russell introduced the participants one at a time, and each shared various anecdotes or talked about their entrepreneurial experiences. I was the fifth person introduced, and when I finished as scheduled, I took a Pocari drink from my bag and took a sip, trying to look natural. I was conscious of the media, and had the presence of mind to hold the drink with the label showing.

At a discussion that is only an hour long, it is hard to make an impression, but I had a secret plan. What I can be seen holding in my hand in the two pictures of me with Ambassador Kennedy is a DVD copy of the 1988 movie “Working Girl,” a romantic comedy that tells the story of a working-class woman with no connections or elite educational background who rises from secretary to company executive solely on the strength of her courage and ideas. It is a very American movie, and one of my favorites. Although my personality is quite unlike that of the protagonist, I, like her, had no connections or elite academic background, but I persevered and, in the end, that is what allowed me to succeed.

After the discussion was over, Ambassador Kennedy came directly over to me and said, “The person who wrote that movie is a good friend of mine. Can I take a picture? It would make him happy.” Then she pulled out her own cell phone and held it out to take a picture of the two of us. As a present, I gave her an InnerSignal sample, which she showed great interest in, and slipped into her bag.

I am not used to acting as some sort of bridge between Japan and America, or to being presented as a trailblazer for the promotion of women in the workplace, but I was happy to have been able to use this opportunity to provide an example of Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s commitment to diversity. More than anything, I wanted to convey the message that it is important to persevere.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/1106_01.html

International and Local Senior Otsuka Female Executives Speak at Diversity Forum Over two decades ago, Otsuka Chairman Akihiko Otsuka implemented trainings to help promote female executives. Because of that vision, Otsuka Pharmaceutical now has 45 women whose positions are higher than division chiefs and five who are operating officers.

At this year’s Otsuka Diversity Forum held at Awaji Yumebutai International Conference Center (Hyogo Pref.), senior Otsuka female executives were invited to speak to 130 young and budding employees with diverse backgrounds about their own trials and tribulations and how they overcame their obstacles.

One faced cancer head on and with the support of her family and her determination, she overcame cancer, received her Ph.D. and is now the Director of Global Clinical Development; another moved to a foreign country in the middle of her Ph.D. program to lead a region with the lowest performance. But with passion, prioritization and sheer perseverance she succeeded in leading her region to becoming number one after three years and also finished her Ph.D.

An HR executive knew from when she was in college that she wanted to continue working as a researcher. She was able to do so because her mother and mother-in-law wanted her to succeed because they had wanted their own identity outside of the house. And one in middle management said she faced obstacles that once had overwhelmed her as a Medical Representative. She was asked to be responsible for a University Hospital with 500 physicians across 40 divisions. But with her husband’s support and her determination in breaking the barriers, she persevered by doing things no one else has done before therefore successfully managing her beat.

The goal for such a forum is to expose employees to other women’s plights in trying to get ahead and learn from their experiences as women executives in a male dominated field.

In his opening speech at the forum, Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s President, Representative Director, Taro Iwamoto, Ph.D., said, “As president, what I have aimed at for the past five years to promote what we call “creativity from this corner to that corner,” and not to copy other pharmaceutical companies.

The most important part of this concept is to employ people who continually innovate. Our company employs competitive staff in Asia and in the West for our overseas operations. There are much less gender barriers and our key elements of evaluation is innovation.” Dr. Iwamoto stated that the company goal is to increase the ratio of female executives to 50% by 2020.

Young male leaders were also invited to take part in the panel discussion. They shared what they are looking for in their team members but the consensus was that it’s not the gender that matters, but their staff’s passion and determination in succeeding in creating new products.

Chieko Asakawa, IBM Fellow, was the Guest Speaker: Innovation Through Diversity IBM Fellow Chieko Asakawa shared her journey of ups and downs to the audience.

Ms. Asakawa’s original dream was to become an Olympian as she was an active athlete in her school. But when she lost her vision in an accident in her junior high years, it didn’t derail her from living her life to its full potential and beyond. She loved outdoor activities and wanted to continue to do track, roller skate and scuba dive. That’s when she realized accessibility is needed for innovation that would allow her to keep her freedom. That began her accessibility research and development for the past two decades.

She said she may have lost her vision, but her hearing senses became more heightened allowing her to listen to spoken words that are three times faster than normal. She used her disadvantages to her advantage and pushed for technologies that would assist heightening other senses that may have been lost to some.

As for family life, Ms. Asakawa said when her two daughters were younger, they wanted their mother to be home more but that they now appreciate how much their mother has done to move forward the technology for the disabled. She said she still has lots of dreams to fulfill, like traveling to Africa and even learn about food and wine. To her, a disability does not mean an obstacle, but a spring board to something greater.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/1101_01.html

Otsuka made its first international expansion in 1973, establishing Thai Otsuka Pharmaceutical (TOP). During that era, most Japanese pharmaceutical companies were focused on drug development in Western countries. However, Otsuka looked to its neighbors in the east and in 1981 became the first Japanese pharmaceutical company to establish a joint venture in China, China Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Later, Otsuka headed westward to Europe and the US, offering its highly original products in the areas of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, nutraceuticals and cosmedics.

Today, Otsuka Pharmaceutical has over 20 affiliated research institutes and 139 production sites around the world. Otsuka employees are encouraged to take on creative challenges wherever they work, whether researching and developing products that promote health or supplying local markets.

Our pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products are sold in over 80 countries. For example, our central nervous system drug ABILIFY offers patients an excellent efficacy and side effect profile in disorders including schizophrenia and depression. ABILIFY is sold in 60 countries, is the seventh ranked prescription drug in global sales1 and the number one ranked prescription drug in the United States.2 Otsuka’s iconic beverage POCARI SWEAT, which replenishes critical electrolytes lost when sweating, is sold in 17 countries and regions and sales outside of Japan exceed domestic sales.

Overall, as the average Japanese pharmaceutical companies generate 35% of revenues internationally, Otsuka Pharmaceutical and its affiliates generate 62% and will continue to expand.

And on November 1st, 2013 Thai Otsuka Pharmaceutical (TOP) celebrated its 40th year of operation in a gala ceremony held at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok. The event brought together 220 of the company’s key stakeholders, local dignitaries and high-profile Otsuka delegates, while serving as an opportunity to renew its commitment as a leading pharmaceutical brand in Thailand.

The list of attendees included Japanese Ambassador to Thailand Shigekazu Sato; CEO Boonsithi Chokwatana from SAHA group; OPF Representative Director Tetsuji Iwamoto; OIAA’s Senior Operating Officer Eom Dae-sik and a number of previous TOP presidents.

Mr. Thanan Suntayodom, chairman, conveyed his overwhelming pride in having worked as a member of Thai Otsuka over the past 40 years and shared with the audience how Otsuka began its first step to overseas expansion.

“In 1965, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Japan had appointed Mr. Sakakibara (from the foreign trade department) to be the representative to bring I.V. solution products and find a distributing agency in Thai market and that was when he met my father, Charoen Suntayodom. Right after that, Charoen Bhaesaj Group started to import products from Otsuka. The product was well accepted by our customers for its high quality and for its good treatment.

As the sales volume grew rapidly, my father and Mr. Suwan Sirivikul flew and met Mr. Masahito Otsuka in 1971 to explain it was necessary to have a factory in the Thai market. After it was approved, a factory was established in Samut Sakorn province (about 50km from Bangkok) in 1973.”

In his congratulatory remarks, Japan Ambassador Sato expressed his sincere gratitude toward Thai Otsuka’s community service during Thailand’s worst flooding in 2011. Also, TOP President Motoyuki Sakiyama expressed his heart-felt gratitude toward its local employees, past and present, “We will become the best partner for our patients and clients in Thailand for another 40 prosperous years. Thai Otsuka is built upon Otsuka’s corporate philosophy which values innovative ideas, firm commitment to implementation as well as harmony with local culture.”

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/1030_01.html

IDTAB technology that makes possible for the first time in the world to print directly onto OD tablets wins award Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. received the 2013 Good Design Award on October 30th, 2013 for the antiplatelet drug “Pletaal® OD Tablets 50 mg/100 mg” (nonproprietary name: cilostazol). Otsuka received the Good Design Award 2013 for making it possible to print directly onto OD tablets using this IDTAB technology. Pletaal Tablets were also included in the Good Design Best 100 list.

The idea to find a way to print the name and dosage of the medication onto an orodispersable (OD) tablet (or orally disintegrating tablet) came to Yoshio Hara when he nearly gave his son, the wrong amount of medication for his asthma. Mr. Hara said most tablets are white and round and very generic looking, and can be mistaken easily. That was his Ah Ha! Moment and realized that there are many people who may have nearly made or actually made the mistake of taking the wrong dosage, or given the wrong dosage of drugs to those they are caring for.

So the journey to creating what is now known as IDTAB technology began. Mr. Hara and his team first started enquiring tablet printing makers at the end of 2009. Being able to print the product name directly onto conventional OD tablets, which are soft and dissolve easily, is complicated and has up until now been impossible, but the team saw the need and pushed forward.

97.4% of pharmacists nationwide admit having given the wrong dosage to their patients Before the technology was perfected and made available to the market, one person was reported to have died from taking the wrong dosage in the spring of 2010. Nikkei Drug Information released a study in June 2011 that showed 97.4% of pharmacists nationwide admit having given the wrong dosage to their patients. They all agreed that clearly printed tablets will be extremely helpful when dispersing drugs. All the more making the team more determined to see this technology succeed.

The advantage of being able to print the product name directly on the tablet is that it allows both medical professionals and patients themselves to easily identify what drug each individual tablet contains by product name, preventing prescribing and dosing errors. Because antiplatelet drugs in particular are high-risk drugs that inhibit clotting, their use needs to be discontinued before surgery, and having the product name printed on the tablets themselves makes it much easier for medical professionals and patients to identify the drug.

It is our dream to see this technology spread around the world to ensure safety when distributing medications to patients or loved ones; or when patients are taking the medicines themselves.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/1025_01.html

15 Years of Reproducing Masterpieces From Around the World That Would Last for 2000 Years The Otsuka Museum of Art (OMA) was established in 1998 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Otsuka Group. Otsuka Pharmaceutical then Chairman Masahito Otsuka had a precise vision for this museum to be built in Tokushima, where the Otsuka Group was founded.

Rendered with Otsuka’s original technology developed by Otsuka Ohmi Ceramics Co., Ltd., more than 1,000 pieces of art are now reproduced in original size, and their colors, which will virtually never fade, faithfully convey the artistic essence of the original works.

One of the most popular exhibits at the Otsuka Museum of Art is the Sistine Hall, which holds a full-scale reproduction of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Five years ago, the Otsuka Museum of Art resolved to reproduce this curved ceiling for the 10th anniversary of the museum’s opening. A method was developed in which curved ceramic panels are produced using firing platforms that are made based on wooden molds. It is exceedingly difficult to produce curved ceramic boards without breaking them, the same principle as that used to produce curved glass was employed, and was finally achieved following much trial and error.

2013 marks the 500th anniversary of the completion of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Starting September, the Otsuka Museum of Art will be hosting “Divine Michelangelo” festivities.

The museum displays a collection of ceramic-board reproductions of art masterpieces from around the world, with the ability to keep colors and shapes unchanged for more than 2,000 years which would help record and preserve cultural assets. It also has the largest exhibition space in Japan, with a total floor space of 29,412 square meters (316,588 square feet).

Other Museum Achievements In March 2007, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed the Pontifical Order of Pope St. Sylvester on Akihiko Otsuka, then director general of the Otsuka Museum of Art, for his contribution to introducing and furthering Christian art in Japan.

The Director of the Vatican Museums said: “The people of Japan can experience the beauty and learn the history of Christian art at the Otsuka Museum of Art. The Sistine Chapel of the Vatican and the Sistine Hall here in Naruto City are not in opposition, but rather complement each other.” The Otsuka Museum of Art aims to inspire people through art, and serve as a bridge connecting the world’s cultures.

The Otsuka Museum of Art exhibits full-scale reproductions of more than 1000 major works of Western art from 25 countries.

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Gogh’s Sunflowers, and Picasso’s Guernica, among many others, are displayed in one place so that visitors may view them at one time. The Otsuka Museum of Art makes it possible for people in Japan to learn about the history of Western art by allowing them to experience the majesty of the works in their original sizes.

In 2011 and 2012, The Otsuka Museum of Art ranked the top among Trip Advisor’s rankings for “the best museum to have visited” category.

Last month, the Otsuka Museum of Art welcomed its 3 millionth guest, and the museum strives to be a place that allows people to connect to art by creating a new world of artistic culture based on the spirit of “creation,” one of the founding principles of the Otsuka Group.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/1018_01.html

A leading expert on management engages a group of future leaders of Otsuka to think critically on “art of decision making and leadership”. Professor Sheena Iyengar of Business in the Management Division at Columbia Business School, challenged about two dozen future directors at Human Resource Development Institute in Tokushima on how to lead better in a global company in the 21st century.

Professor Iyengar launched the Global Leadership Matrix (GLeaM) at Columbia Business School in 2011 and has been working tirelessly to advance and promote understanding of leadership in a global context.

Professor Iyengar is an inspiration to many people who have seen her speak at TED. Born in Toronto, Canada, her parents were originally from Delhi, India. In early 70’s, her family moved to New York and then to New Jersey by the end of that decade.

When Professor Iyengar was three years old, she was diagnosed with a rare form of retinis pigmentosa, an inherited disease of retinal degeneration. And when she was around 12 years old, she had lost her ability to read and in her teens she had totally lost her vision and could only perceive light. With that type of tenacity of exceeding what the world expected of someone without sight and hopefulness, she achieved academic excellence through blazing her own path. As a teacher who knows more heartache than perhaps most, she imparts wisdom through her academic excellence as well as her personal experiences.

The collaboration of Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Columbia Business School is one that strives to inspire Otsuka’s employees. It is a year-long program where future leaders meet every month. Otsuka taps into the resources of GLeaM's interdisciplinary team from Columbia's Business School, Sociology Department, and Psychology Department, where they are developing a range of innovative research and information sharing initiatives that will serve the interests of academics, organizations, and people across the globe.

The training program is aimed at employees in management who have been with Otsuka for more than 15 years to gain hands on training on social capital networking that has a big impact on decision making.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/1011_01.html

Otsuka’s Growth in Europe Leads to Exciting New Office Move As a result of Otsuka’s recent growth in Europe, an increased employee numbers from around 100 in Feb 2013 to around 140 in Oct 2013; and expansion with a new operation, Otsuka Europe Development & Commercialisation (OEDC) established in July 2013, a larger work area was needed.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd. (OPEL), Otsuka Europe Development & Commercialisation (OEDC) and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals (U.K.) Ltd. (OPUK) have relocated to the West of London in Wexham, in the United Kingdom to bring the research & development and commercial operations teams together for optimal collaboration.

Operating under Otsuka’s corporate philosophy of ‘Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide’, Otsuka’s European business was originally established in 1979 focussing on the development of innovative products and medical devices that address high unmet medical needs.

Why a brand new office 20km west of London and not in the middle of the city? Otsuka Chairman Akihiko Otsuka once said, “Outlying areas lack convenience, but they give you more room to ponder things. [sic] Because living in rural areas requires resourcefulness, I always maintained the view that we had to take the hard way. This really challenges people; also, there is less competition when you take the hard way, the road less travelled.”

Embracing Otsuka’s approach to innovation and unconventional thinking, the interior of Otsuka’s new office has been specifically designed to encourage employees to think more creatively and includes an ‘Innovation area’, quiet rooms and an English pub themed restaurant known as ‘The Otsuka Arms’. The open plan style encourages collaboration, teamwork and communication helping with the cross fertilisation of ideas. The beautiful countryside setting also helps to promote a feeling of well-being.

An official opening event was held at the new offices on Friday, 11th October 2013 welcoming 140 employees to the new site. The day included a presentation from the senior management team, ribbon cutting and the signing of a Daruma doll, a popular good luck talisman in Japan. The eye of the Daruma is filled in when setting a goal and the other eye is filled in when the goal is achieved. If you want to know ‘the goal’ you will have to visit the office!

"Our move to new premises reflects Otsuka Europe’s commitment to deliver growth and performance within Europe and is a fitting setting for the determination, expertise and professionalism of our staff. We are all extremely excited about our new innovative integrated office space which will enable us to continue to collaborate effectively and accommodate future expansion." Ole Vahlgren, CEO & President - Otsuka Europe

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0926_01.html

Pharmavite began an educational effort with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) more than 10 years ago when it recognized the potential of partnering with a national medical organization with more than 110,000 physicians members. The opportunity was to provide science-based dietary supplement information on the products that were part of the Nature Made brand. The reach of the family physician is broad with, nearly 1 in 4 doctor visits in the United States being made to a family physician.

Four years ago, Pharmavite became a founding partner of a new AAFP education initiative to bring the Nature Made’s science based messages to family physicians. Overall support from the AAFP leadership and response from the AAFP membership to the dietary supplement education programs has been overwhelmingly positive.

On September 26, 2013, Doug MacLean, Pharmavite’s CEO, accepted the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation’s Outstanding Service Award on behalf of Pharmavite at the AAFP Foundation Dinner. It is the Academy’s highest recognition for vendors, suppliers and companies that support the medical profession or their employees.

“The depth of this honor is that the nominations are made by the AAFP state chapters, members and staff to the AAFP Board of Directors,” said Doug MacLean. “It speaks to the strength of the relationship between our two organizations and our common vision of optimizing health and wellness for individuals, our communities and people around the world.”

The 11th year will break new ground with Pharmavite’s creation of an initiative called Nature Made Cares About Family Medicine. It is designed to raise funds to support Family Medicine Cares, the AAFP Foundation’s humanitarian program to establish new free medical clinics. The initiative encourages physician engagement with and education about dietary supplements with patients.

“The Nature Made Cares About Family Medicine program adds a new dimension to Pharmavite’s support of the Foundation’s work,” said Craig Doane, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the AAFP. “We know our members place a high value on the humanitarian efforts of the organization, and they consistently request and need patient education materials for their day-to-day practice. The innovative design of this new program allows both goals to be achieved.” Nature Made Cares About Family Medicine is a part of Pharmavite’s strategic partnership with the AAFP. The partnership allows Nature Made to reach AAFP’s physician members with Nature Made brand information and dietary supplement-focused educational materials.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0908_01.html

Otsuka continued its active participation in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) events at the Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy (PPWE) 2013 Forum, which brought together 800 delegates from 21 member economies in Bali, Indonesia, September 6-8. The PPWE provides a mechanism to integrate gender considerations into APEC activities.

This year’s forum was themed “Women as Economic Drivers” and it addressed how women can advance economic activity across APEC. The forum was opened by Linda Amalia Sari Gumelar, Indonesian Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection. She stressed the need for women to fulfill their potential in the Indonesian economy in which women own 60% of microbusinesses, a sector generating more than 50% of GDP.

The panel on Infrastructure and Human Capital was moderated by Ms. Akiko Ryu, Senior Operating Officer, Global Head of Public Relations Department, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Co., Ltd.. The development of soft and hard infrastructure to help women access information to gain knowledge and thereby contribute to the economy development was discussed. Ms. Ryu raised important questions on the kinds of human capital challenges to overcome to advance women in entrepreneurship and in other forms of work, particularly in rural areas.

Ms. Ryu moderated the session that brought together the Minister of Council of Economic
Planning and Development of Chinese Taipei,Chung Ming Kuan; the CEO of Martha Tilaar Group,
Martha Tilaar; Executive Director of GAP Inc. PACE USA, Dotti Hatcher; Managing Director Tupperware Indonesia, Nining Pernama; and Senior Manager for Global HR Unicharm Japan, Miyako Sasaki. The session concluded that there was an urgent need to build supporting infrastructure and develop skills to enhance women’s economic productivity.

Numerous other women leaders from Indonesia and other APEC member countries addressed the forum. Japanese Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Food Safety Minister of State for Measures for Declining Birthrate Minister of State for Gender Equality, Masako Mori spoke on the importance of diversity, including female workforce participation, as a growth driver. She also spoke on the central importance of women's success and advancement in Japan to the government's revitalization strategy.

The mayor of Yokohama Japan, Fumiko Hayashi noted in her speech that through cooperation of the private sector, in Yokohama essentially no children need to wait at home at the end of the day for their working mothers to return. The mayor added, “In order to change the social structure, we need to reform our consciousness by deeper utilization of women's perspectives. A more diversified society in which women play active leadership roles will enrich and vitalize our economy and country.

Participants from the Otsuka Group in Indonesia interacted with other women leaders from around the globe and commented that the event reinforced the importance of taking into account each individual’s personal initiatives when making decisions as a useful way to implement the values of diversity.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0901_01.html

A new omugi (barley) brand was launched today across Japan. The Omugi Seikatsu*2 products include Omugi Crackers, two flavors of Omugi Rice and two flavors of Omugi Soup and they are available in supermarkets, drug stores and convenience stores in Japan.

Omugi Crackers can be eaten with cheese or crushed into yoghurt or eaten plain. To prepare Omugi Rice that contains 3,000 mg omugi beta-glucans, just microwave the packet for 2 minutes. And add hot water to Omugi Soup mixture for a cup of tasty and hearty soup.

Benefits of Omugi The scientific community has been exploring the benefits of omugi, which is rich in omugi beta-glucans, a type of water soluble fiber. At a press seminar held earlier, Professor Sachie Ikegami, Emeritus Professor at Otsuma Women’s University spoke about prevention of lifestyle diseases by eating omugi products. She explained that this water soluble fiber has multiple health benefits such as lowering risk of heart disease.

Professor Ikegami has been researching the benefits of omugi for over 30 years when nobody had any interest in Japan. She said now there’s more interest because researches have shown that omugi beta-glucans slow down the absorption of sugar in the body, therefore reducing the rise in blood glucose levels after meals, making it hard for people to get fat. She said omugi beta-glucans also lower cholesterol level and help people become regular. She said barley grains contain 20 times more fiber than white rice grains/100 g.

Global Recognition of Omugi Beta-Glucans In the US, the Food and Drug Administration recommends people to take 3,000 mg of beta-glucans daily for health maintenance, such as lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. And according to the European Food Safety Authority’s Scientific Opinion, consumption of 3,000 mg or more of omugi beta-glucans lowers blood cholesterol and reduces risk of (coronary) heart disease.

Professor Ikegami said, “It is very hard to create a food product that contains 3,000 mg of omugi beta-glucans, so I am excited to see that Otsuka has taken the lead to do so.”

For more information in Japanese, click here: http://www.otsuka.co.jp/product/omugi/

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0813_01.html

The heat wave with outdoor temperature of 41°Celsius (105.8° Fahrenheit) did not deter fans from all over Japan to descend upon a tiny town Wajiki with a population of 9,000. “Exciting Summer in Wajiki '13” outdoor rock concert took place on August 13th, a day after Otsuka Ren performed at the annual Awa Dance Festival in Tokushima.

Otsuka employees together with local community members get together every year to organize the outdoor concert at the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Tokushima Wajiki Factory. This year is the 24th annual summer concert and was sponsored in conjunction with the local municipal offices.

Music fans from near and far flocked to the lush rolling green hills of the Tokushima Wajiki Factory to see performances by popular Japanese artists that included Tatsuya Ishii, Beni, Rake, SKY-HI and Negoto.

Despite the scorching hot summer weather, the younger fans were screaming and jumping up and down when the artists got on the stage and everyone waved their hands in the air when their favorite songs were performed.

Organized in partnership with local businesses with the goal of revitalizing and contributing to community development, Exciting Summer in Wajiki was first held at the Tokushima Wajiki Factory in 1990. Featuring promising young artists, the mid-summer outdoor concert, timed to coincide with the famed Tokushima Prefecture Awa Dance festival, has become a popular annual tradition. Over the years, Exciting Summer in Wajiki has grown to become one of Shikoku's largest outdoor musical events. This year, about 200 Otsuka Pharmaceutical employees volunteered to help at the concert that made it a success.

The factory production line was also opened to the public, and 700 visitors had come to see the production of Calorie Mate, which was celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The Tokushima Wajiki Factory was built in 1989 under the direction of Chairman Akihiko Otsuka as a factory park to bring work to a hilltop town. The dry climate in the high altitude was chosen to produce Calorie Mate which was then trucked for two hours to the nearest ports for shipping. The intention to revitalize Wajiki progressed with the building of an outdoor stage surrounded by greenery and a large, open space accented with artwork.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0812_01.html

Every year in August, Otsuka Group’s researchers, marketers, engineers and even Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s president himself, come together to perform in Japan’s largest dance festival. The colorful, 400-year old traditional Awa Dance performance brought well over 1.23 million spectators from all over Japan and overseas to the tiny Tokushima town of 700,000 population.

August 12th was a hot and muggy day with the mercury hitting 37.3 Celsius (99.14 Fahrenheit), but that did not dampen the excitement among the dancers in Otsuka Ren.

Otsuka’s participation started in 1988 with the formation of the Otsuka Ren by scientists, sales representatives, quality control service staff, etc, from plants and research centers in Tokushima Prefecture, a little less than an hour’s flight southwest from Tokyo. Now, employees working in Tokyo and Osaka offices are able participate in the dance as well.

About 100 employees that form the Otsuka Ren receive grueling training and must pass the annual audition to perform at the Awa Dance Festival. They practice at various locations after work which also helps build strong bonds among staff that normally don’t get the opportunity to socialize with fellow employees from other fields.

This year, 20 new members were admitted to Otsuka Ren, among them was Rosa Yum, an expatriate from the US. The former broadcast journalist recently joined Otsuka Pharmaceutical and was extremely excited and grateful to be able to participate in the festival because such an opportunity is extremely rare. And the companies participating in the festival must have the vision and leadership to bring together people from different backgrounds and experiences to make the Awa Dance a success.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0713_01.html

In the lead-up to the 2014 meeting of the heads of state of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) nations, which will be held in China, the Chinese government hosted the APEC China CEO Forum 2013 on July 13 in Beijing.

Tatsuo Higuchi, President and CEO of Otsuka Holdings, participated in this forum as a speaker in the panel discussion on Chinese economic issues and development. Otsuka was invited by the Chinese government to participate in this CEO forum because of Otsuka’s innovation in health care issues, including pharmaceuticals, and track record in business development in China and Asia. The panel discussion meeting room was packed with 400 government VIPs and industry representatives.

Summary of President Higuchi’s Presentation The theme of the panel discussion was “Future innovation in technology will come not from the West, but from the East – Do You Agree?” President Higuchi’s presentation covered the following topics.

(1) Innovations, regardless of their geographical origin, are universally recognized and spread worldwide, and become further refined through this process. A long-term outlook is essential when discussing the impact and unexpected historical developments resulting from innovations. As one example, Susumu Tonegawa, who in 1987 had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the genetic principle for generation of antibody diversity, had begun his studies in Japan, but later moved to the United States in order to study molecular biology, and then moved to Europe in order to study immunology, and it was through the fruits of his studies in different regions that he made his discovery. Gunpowder and paper were invented more than one thousand years ago in China and, through this same process of interaction and combination, subsequent discoveries and the development of the printing press in the West became possible.

(2) As with other scientific discoveries, new drug development requires continual effort, investment, and combinations of different technologies, from basic research through to manufacture, and a long-term outlook is indispensable for drug discovery innovation. As one example, a new drug for schizophrenia that Otsuka had discovered took more than 20 years of persistent research to bring to market, and during that time the company continued to seek out new ways to address unmet medical needs in schizophrenia.

(3) In many fields, including medicine, innovation has spread from West to East, or vice-versa. Innovations emerge based on people’s true needs, and succeed globally irrespective of their place of origin. Taking Japan as an example, Japanese society is right now confronting the problem of an increasingly elderly population, but this very problem will provide many opportunities for innovation in medical and health care for elderly societies.

(4) I would like to talk about Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s expansion in China as a way of explaining the effects that different time frames, societies, and environments have on innovation. In 1976, after the Tangshan Earthquake, the Chinese government realized the need for intravenous drip infusions manufactured using advanced technology, and asked Otsuka to manufacture them in China. In 1981, Otsuka Pharmaceutical became the first Japanese pharmaceutical company to open a plant in China together with the Chinese government. At that time, there was no system in place in China for accepting foreign investment. Otsuka nevertheless made the decision to invest, and the Otsuka Group now has twenty-seven companies in China.

(5) Innovation requires communication, effort, education, and attention to the surrounding societal and physical environment. More than anything, innovation requires diversity in cultures, organizations, and technologies, a fact that Otsuka has kept firmly in mind as we continue to develop new products, from our pharmaceutical drug business to our nutraceutical business. Innovation occurs through the interaction and combination of Eastern and Western elements.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0710_01.html

Ten years ago, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, together with Otsuka Pakistan Ltd. with 24 other Otsuka Group companies operating in Asia and the Middle East, founded the Otsuka Welfare Clinic in Peshawar, Pakistan to provide free medical service to Afghan refugees in need.

Driven into Pakistan by conflict in Afghanistan, 1.8 million refugees were living in camps and were desperately short of food and clothing much less medical care.

Since the opening of Otsuka Welfare Clinic, more than 687,000 people have visited the clinic.

As a health company, the Otsuka Group sought to find a way to directly help refugees in the field. The clinic also treats local residents and helps to relieve the burden of other medical facilities in the area that are flooded with patients.

Although many corporations and organizations were providing various sorts of relief supplies to the refugees, Otsuka Group companies decided to join forces to establish a free medical clinic managed by Otsuka Pakistan, in order to directly assist people suffering from sickness and ailments.

The clinic currently employs eight regular staff, including three physicians, assisted by nurses, pharmacists and midwives. The clinic mainly sees women and children, providing treatment for respiratory, digestive, dermatological, obstetric and gynecological ailments as well as ophthalmology and otolaryngology.

In July 2010, heavy flooding caused by severe rainfall in the region caused considerable damage at the nearby Aza Khel Refugee Camp. Clinic staff traveled to the area to set up a temporary treatment facility to provide care for people.

In December 2011, Japan’s ambassador to Pakistan bestowed recognition to the Otsuka Welfare Clinic for its outstanding contribution to community welfare through the provision of free medical, and having a positive influence on Japan-Pakistan relations.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0705_01.html

In July, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bener Meriah in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, North West Sumatra, Indonesia followed by 5.5 and 5.3 magnitude aftershocks. About 40 people were killed and more than 2000 were injured by the quake. This massive quake also destroyed more than 6000 houses. As displaced victims started to congregate with nearly no possessions with them, PT Amerta Indah Otsuka immediately responded to their needs.

The Sales and Promotion team in Medan and Distributor team in Lhokseumawe quickly set into motion a delivery plan. The team left Medan Branch on July 4th at 11:00PM and drove eight hours and arrived in Lhokseumawe at 7:00AM the next day. Then the total team of five drove another four hours to the affected areas and distributed POCARI SWEAT until 9:00PM of that day.

Many roads were still closed due to the earthquake and that is why it took so long to find the camp locations, but that did not deter the staff from delivering the much needed beverages to the victims, a total of 9,600 bottles of POCARI SWEAT.

It was only after the team made sure that all the bottles were properly distributed into the hands of the victims that the Otsuka staff returned to Medan, which took another eight hours. We are extremely proud how swift our response to the natural disaster was and will continue to find ways to assist should such a need arise again!

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0618_01.html

This innovative invention prize is the highest award in Japan which began nearly a century ago in 1919. The prize comes from the “Japanese Institute of Invention and Innovation” (JIII). The JIII has been under the patron of H.I.H. Prince Hitachi since 1968. The award is to recognize people, who have accomplished original inventions, and contributed to the promotion of technology and is extremely rare for a pharmaceutical company to be awarded such an honor.

This year, The Imperial Invention Prize was awarded to Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s 3 researchers, Seiji Sato, Yasuo Oshiro and Nobuyuki Kurahashi for the invention of the compound aripiprazole. Sato, Oshiro and Kurahashi were part of a research team that synthesized a new medication for treating schizophrenia, the first antipsychotic drug developed in the world with a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist action.

Yasuo Oshiro, Ph.D., Corporate Advisor, Intellectual Property Department, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. said, “Receiving the Imperial Invention Prize is the highest honor. I never imagined being awarded this prize. As someone working in drug research and development, it is extremely gratifying to receive this award. I am fortunate to be surrounded by colleagues who have offered me their unwavering support and encouragement. None of what I have achieved would have been possible without the help of such exceptional coworkers in the fields of drug synthesis and pharmaceutics.”

Schizophrenia is thought to be caused by an imbalance of chemicals — serotonin and dopamine — that are found in the brain. The condition is characterized by positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, speaking, and behavior. Negative symptoms include lack of emotion, lack of energy, and lack of motivation.

Dr. Oshiro had put importance on 3 hypotheses during his research; first, the compound should selectively block dopamine receptors. Second, the amount of dopamine should be reduced. And third, side effects should be lessened. After all three conditions were satisfied over numerous synthesizing of compounds, the team discovered the candidate compound, aripiprazole. It was able to stabilize effect on the nervous system by suppressing dopamine activity when excessive and stimulating it when dopamine activity is low.

This led to a drug development which was eventually launched in the US in 2002 and became a blockbuster product after only three years on the market. It was also launched in Japan as a treatment for schizophrenia in 2006. An additional indication was approved in January 2012 for treatment of manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. Also noteworthy is that in November 2007, aripiprazole was the first antipsychotic drug in the world to obtain an indication for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder in US.

Nobuyuki Kurahashi, Vice President, Global CNS Business, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. explained, “Dr. Ohshiro incorporated ‘safety’ in the drug design from the very beginning. When aripiprazole was introduced to the market, these excellent ‘safety’ properties earned widespread praise from doctors, families, and patients. Also because of this feature, aripiprazole has been used for so many patients and so many diseases beyond the conventional drug category. Ever since I joined the company, it has brought me great honor to be involved with this drug, from its initial discovery through to its market launch worldwide.”

Seiji Sato, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, First Institute of New Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry Group, “Failure is common in our field, drug synthesis. The hard work is tackled first. You are constantly aware of the obstacles that you have not been able to overcome in the past, and you keep trying over and over again to overcome those challenges because beyond them lies success and you will discover new findings along the way. Partial agonists are at first glance a difficult concept to believe in. I think Dr. Oshiro’s courage in taking that first step to tackle this concept, as well as the strength of his conviction, were the driving forces behind this achievement.”

All this would not be possible without the support and encouragement of a strong and farsighted leader. For the steadfast leadership, Otsuka Pharmaceutical President and Representative Director, Taro Iwamoto, Ph.D., was honored with The Distinguishing Service Prize for Employment of Invention.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0607_01.html

In 1971, two innovative young Americans founded Pharmavite; the following year they developed the vitamin brand Nature Made® committed to providing high quality vitamins and supplements to retail markets for people who want to lead healthier lives. The original Pharmavite commitment has not changed for over 40 years. Today, Pharmavite LLC is one of the largest US manufacturers of high-quality vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements, and Nature Made® is the #1 selling national vitamin and supplement brand in traditional retail scanning outlets. Pharmavite LLC has been a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. since 1989.

Pharmavite’s new facility in Opelika sets a new standard for manufacturing excellence. The facility is designed to produce the highest quality products, featuring state of the art technology and will be the first major vitamin facility in the US to be LEED certified.

As, the US dietary supplement market has tripled since 1995, the Opelika facility is a key part of Pharmavite’s strategic plan to meet the growing global consumer demand for health and wellness products like Nature Made supplements. It also serves as a showcase of our passion for quality, efficacy and innovation.

The company supports research with major universities on vitamins and supplements. Supporting this research is consistent with Pharmavite’s vision of “Inspiring the healthiest you through more complete nutrition wherever you are in life”.

This new facility in Opelika is the first dietary supplement facility in Alabama, a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. The production capacity will meet the company’s forecasted future growth. As part of the facility, Pharmavite has created an educational tour that it will be sharing with the community.

It is Pharmavite’s intention to provide these products globally in addition to the United States, so the new facility will contribute to people’s better health around the world.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0607_02.html

On June 7 and 8, 2013, at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, in Rancho Mirage, California, American President Barack Obama held a bilateral meeting, followed by a working dinner, with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China. Ridge Vineyards 2008 Geyserville Zinfandel was served with the main course – the Porterhouse steak.

Dinner diplomacy of course requires world-class cuisine, but the culinary merit of each menu item is not the sole consideration; each dish has political significance. Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a French diplomat at the time of the Napoleonic Wars, emerged victorious from the negotiations at the Congress of Vienna due in no small part to the wines of Chateau Haut-Brion and the grand cuisine of legendary chef Marie-Antoine Carême. There is no question that Ridge Vineyards 2008 Geyserville was carefully chosen as a representation of America's influence.

China has experienced rapid and continuous economic growth, and has passed Japan to become the world's second-largest economy, after America. China is becoming a leader in both the importation and production of wine as well. It is significant that the red wine served to China's leaders was a Zinfandel-based blend. There are many American wines that are more expensive than Geyserville, such as Cabernets from Napa. A Zinfandel was likely chosen because it is a distinctly "American" variety, one that symbolizes an America that has become the world's dominant power and that has carved out its own unique position in the world, while still retaining its connections to the culture and traditions of Europe. Ridge Vineyards was acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals in 1986 and is honored that, out of all the Zinfandels available, Ridge Vineyards 2008 Geyserville was chosen to represent America at this dinner.

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay, the owner and executive chef of several restaurants, including Mesa Grill, was chosen to represent America in the preparation of the meal itself.

Read the full article with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/detail.php?id=144&date=2013-04-26

Researchers, manufacturing engineers, personnel trainers, public relations staff … are members of the Awa Dance group, Otsuka Ren. And they were invited to perform Awa Dance, a 400-year-old traditional Japanese dance, at the Copenhagen Sakura Festival.

Why were we in Denmark?

Back in 2011, Otsuka entered into a long-term partnership with Danish pharmaceutical company, Lundbeck, in the world’s largest Central Nervous System alliance.

At that time, Japanese Ambassador to Denmark Toshio Sano was seated next to Otsuka Pharmaceutical President and Representative Director, Dr. Taro Iwamoto at the inauguratory event and shared a lively conversation that inspired the ambassador to invite Otsuka’s Awa Dance group to perform at the Copenhagen Sakura Festival.

That’s how after over a year of planning and preparations Otsuka Ren ended up in Denmark. The Awa Dance performers participated in various activities including a dance performance at Lundbeck’s headquarters, in which many Lundbeck employees enthusiastically joined in.

Apart from the dancing, Dr. Iwamoto and Mr. Wiinberg hosted a highly successful afternoon of discussions with leading media in Europe. The Copenhagen media event complimented the one held on March 7th in Tokushima, at which the two leaders met with members of the Japanese media.

Before the events at Lundbeck, families with strollers, older people and teens all gathered over the weekend for the 6th Copenhagen Sakura Festival in Langelinie Park, where Otsuka Ren performed.

Over 17,000 people attended the 2-day event and about 50 Otsuka Ren performers, an auditioned group of dancers and musicians formed in 1988, traveled all the way from Japan to Denmark to participate in the festival. The appreciation and enthusiasm of the audience was visible on every face present, perhaps most so when the Awa dancers performed amidst the crowd shown in the photo above.

The three days of lively and informative events well illustrated Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s presence on the global stage, both literally and figuratively.

Read the full article with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0404_01.html

The new version of POCARI SWEAT, “POCARI SWEAT ION WATER”, was launched on April 8th! This new health drink was aimed to smoothly replenish water and electrolytes lost during everyday work that offers a light sweetness, a refreshing taste with reduced calories.

The new beverage was designed to incorporate the benefits of the original POCARI SWEAT – based on the concept of a rehydration drink that smoothly replenishes water and electrolytes in the body.

The launch ceremony was held at the ANA Intercontinental Hotel in Tokyo which was packed with Japanese media to view the new television commercial for POCARI SWEAT ION WATER starring Japanese actress Kyoko Fukada.

Masayuki Umeno, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Vice President and Representative Director said, “By continuing innovation, diversity and globalization approach, Otsuka can achieve its goal to create and provide new products that contribute to people’s health”.

Taste inventor, Akihisa Takaichi, was recognized by Otsuka Pharmaceutical for his important role in working on the POCARI SWEAT ION WATER’s new refreshing taste for the past 6 years.

POCARI SWEAT is a very popular health drink from Japan that is known widely around the world. A choice of three sizes (250 ml, 500 ml and 900 ml) POCARI SWEAT ION WATER will initially be sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores and other channels throughout Japan.

Read the full article with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0401_01.html

Each year, hundreds of new staff are hired in Japan by the Otsuka Group and within Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. this year, 164 college graduates were selected to be part of the path blazing corporation.

The best and the brightest are recruited in Japan and globally every year to join the Otsuka family. And for the new hires in Japan, the passage from student life to professional life starts in Tokushima, Japan, where Otsuka was founded and where the New Staff Welcome Ceremony is held every year. The beginning of the fiscal year in Japan is April 1st, and that is the day most Japanese companies hold new hire welcome ceremonies across the country. And if parents had a chance to attend, they would be brimming with pride and even tears in the corners of their eyes, just like the day their children graduated from universities.

The event started with congratulatory and welcome speeches from nine of the company heads under the Otsuka Group. On behalf of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. President Taro Iwamoto, Ph.D. welcomed the new employees by first sharing with them what leadership meant to him: energy, the capacity to energize others, edginess for achievement, execution and passion.

And then Dr. Iwamoto asked students if they possessed what it took for them to become leaders of tomorrow. With positive replies, he said he was confident that the company will do well under them.

The ceremony is only the beginning of a one to six-month training period in Tokushima. These young men and women will learn about the history of Otsuka, the various Otsuka businesses and how to establish themselves within the company, as they bond with other new employees who may well become their teammates for many years to come.

Read the full article with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0327_01.html

Ninety-nine people with ninety-nine nationalities got together to break a world record in Beijing, China. The world record breaking event took place in Beijing Blue Ocean International Business Building where the POCARI SWEAT team members organized the March 27th sauna gathering.

The Guinness World Record was having ninety-nine nationalities be in a sauna for five minutes all at the same time. Each participant had their passports checked by the Guinness World Record official before being let into the venue. After spending five very hot minutes in the sauna, it was the perfect time to provide what these participants lost during their sweating session, fluids and electrolytes.

POCARI SWEAT ion supply drinks were passed out to all the participants as soon as they came out from the large heated room with glass walls. This health drink easily replenished the fluids and ions (electrolytes) lost while perspiring. It is an ideal beverage for those who have been sweating while playing sports, working or sitting in a sauna! It can also hydrate the body first thing in the morning.

Read the full article with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0321_01.html

Otsuka Pharmaceutical continues to increase its visibility on the global health policy stage, and recently sponsored the Healthcare in Asia 2013 conference.

It was hosted by the Economist Conferences, publisher of the esteemed magazine The Economist. The event was held on March 21st and March 22nd in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and featured a variety of speakers including the Minister of Health in Malaysia, the Secretary of Finance in the Philippines, the Deputy Minister of Health in Taiwan, numerous other senior officials from national governments and international agencies such as the World Health Organization and numerous senior figures from academia and the business world.

Although tuberculosis was not the central theme of the conference, one speaker, Dr. Arata Kochi, a former senior official at the WHO was in charge of anti-TB programs, spoke about the steadily worsening problem of multi-drug resistant TB.

Dr. Kochi noted that private healthcare sectors in Asian countries are not equipped to deal with long-term care in a cost-effective manner. Dr. Kochi noted that TB patients who are not tracked carefully, stop taking medication as soon as they feel better, which increases the spread of resistant TB strains. He explained that a well-funded anti-TB program with treatment follow-up and data collection and analysis could serve as an excellent model for diseases such as diabetes and cancer, diseases that are also increasing across Asia as people live longer.

As a sponsor, Otsuka had a booth that highlighted facts about multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and the company’s long-standing commitment to TB research. Visitors to the booth were sometimes surprised to learn from Otsuka Public Relations staff that the company was the world’s lead investor in TB drug development in 2011 (the last year for which data is available).

Read the full article with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0315_01.html

The March 15th, 2013 event kicked off as fish of all sizes swam in an aquarium in Shinagawa, Japan, while a professor of ophthalmology, Shigeru Kinoshita, from Kyoto talked about the essence of dry eye and about its latest treatment.

An Aquarium was chosen as the site for this seminar, so that the participants were able to understand what dry eye is and to learn about the similarities and differences between the eyes of fish and humans.

The body surfaces of a fish, including its eyes, are covered with mucous membranes. In contrast, during the course of evolution, the body surfaces of humans keratinized from mucous membranes into layers of skin, which is more tolerant to dryness.

The surface of human eyes, however, has remained as mucous membranes in order to retain its transparency and smooth, hairless nature. A layer of tears on top of mucous membranes covering eye surfaces are what protects the eyes from dryness. Healthy, normal mucous membranes and mucous play important roles in keeping the tears clean, as in neat and smooth rather than hygienic clean.

Professor Kinoshita pointed out that dry eye is not just about quantity of tear fluid. The eyes sense 'dryness', 'gritty/sandy sensation', 'pain', and discomfort, because mucin, which is one of the tear components, decreases and the ocular mucous membrane becomes irritated.

Japan is a leading nation when it comes to the treatment of dry eye, says Professor Kinoshita. Until recently, available medications only affected the quality of tears, but now a more proactive dry eye medication is available that can treat both mucin and the mucous membrane.

Read the full article including photos at

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0307_01.html

On March 7th, 2013, the first Otsuka Media Exchange was held at Tokushima, Japan, the origin of Otsuka just an hour south by plane from Tokyo.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical President & Representative Director, Taro Iwamoto, Ph.D. presented to the media Otsuka’s achievements over the past 3 years. He spoke about the main business areas including Central Nervous System, cardio-renal area, oncology and ophthalmology. The presentation was entitled “all for creativity”, and demonstrated Otsuka’s spirit of creativity from tip to toe.

Dr. Iwamoto pointed out that there were 2 specific types of ‘innovations’ during his presentation which showed exactly what Otsuka’s pharmaceutical business aims to offer.

First, it is innovation through “new indication in new category”, which is about the ability to take our new first-in-class-in-the-world drugs and develop them into altogether different therapeutic categories. Second, it is innovation through “prevention of disease relapses” by offering compliance-management in central nervous disorders.

Director of Fellow Qs' Research Institute, Tetsuro Kikuchi, Ph.D., talked about Otsuka’s demanding and “unsmooth” research style in the course of searching for neuropsychiatric drugs.

“Otsuka’s drug discovery does not rely on computer algorithms, but relies heavily on each and every researcher’s inspiration and his or her passion to follow through that belief - it is that spirit of never-giving-up that leads to our success” says Kikuchi.

Ulf Wiinberg, the CEO of Lundbeck, one of Otsuka’s global partners, was a guest speaker. He highlighted that Otsuka-Lundbeck partnership is one of the largest ever seen in the field of Central Nervous System and hence the enormous promise that the alliance holds for the patients.

Dr. Iwamoto noted Otsuka’s alliances are ‘horizontal collaborations’, and is the single most important factor in partnerships. Both partners should be able to contribute strengths to their mutual benefits and at times progress through friendly rivalry.

There was also a surprise performance by Japanese calligraphy artist, Souun Takeda. Master calligrapher Takeda created artwork featuring two large Japanese characters, “Sou” and “Jitsu”.

The work of art was intended to reflect Otsuka’s motto. “Sou” translates to “creation” and “Jitsu”, the process of taking an idea and turning it into reality.

The two-story high Tomato Tree stands prominently at the Tokushima Institute which was the setting where nearly fifty international and domestic journalists to hear and discuss the growth of Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s business.

Read the full story with photos at

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0224_01.html

Once again this year, Otsuka Pharmaceutical helped promote a healthy lifestyle in Japan by supporting Tokyo Marathon 2013. Every year since the first marathon in 2007, Otsuka Pharmaceutical supported the event, playing a part to help people who enjoy running to maintain their health.

Approximately 36,000 marathoners from around the world descended on Tokyo for the seventh annual Tokyo Marathon, which has a theme of "The Day We Unite.". And again this year, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Amino Value BCAA supplement endurance beverage was named official beverage of Tokyo Marathon 2013. Amino Value is an amino acid drink that supports an active sports life.

Top runners from around the world including 2012 defending champion Michael Kipkorir Kipyego from Kenya were among those at the starting line at 9AM. All were hoping to break the course record set by the Swiss runner Viktor Rothlin in 2008. As the athletes warmed up, volunteers were preparing refreshment stations along the marathon route, and providing supplies for use at aid stations, all amid the cold wind.

Just over two hours later at the finish line, Kenayan Dennis Kimetto beat last year's champion by six seconds to take the gold medal with a time of 2:06:50. Kimetto broke the course record and took home $120,000 for his victory at Tokyo Marathon 2013. Ethiopia's Aberu Kebede was the women's champion in 2:25:34.

Tokyo Marathon became the newest member of the esteemed World Marathon Majors series in last October, joining Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.

Marathon applicants for the Tokyo event continue to grow each year. The number of marathon runners is capped at 35,500 and 500 slots are set aside for the 10K run, including slots for physically challenged athletes. Otsuka Pharmaceutical is proud to play a part in this major effort to promote a strong and healthy lifestyle in Japan and Otsuka's support of this most important event will only grow in years to come.

Read the full article with photos at

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0222_01.html

How can corporate Japan help revitalize the economy by creating greater gender equality in the workplace?

That was the hot topic at the Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) Summit 2013 on February 22nd in Tokyo, which addresses the overall theme of reformulating the design of Japanese society for the future. While progress had been made to create a more women-friendly business atmosphere in Japan, there remains a belief that the Japanese work force will remain dominated by men. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.'s CEO/President, Taro Iwamoto, PhD, has a different vision.

Dr. Iwamoto shared with summit participants his view that gender empowerment will not happen by waiting for systems to change. Rather, he noted that female and younger workers are uniquely positioned as change agents in Japanese culture, as they can bypass the existing systems and ways of thinking in ways that men do not.

He also noted that, "What is lacking in Japan is leadership. Rather than discussing the issues surrounding women through various individual elements, it is critical to address the overarching issue of how to promote and develop global leaders who can pursue innovation that guides the growth of society and businesses.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical has never simply followed trends or tread well-traveled paths. Dr. Iwamoto described how Otsuka seeks to extend its innovative edge and global competitiveness by placing female managers in positions of real responsibility and accountability as leaders of global teams.

Dr. Iwamoto personally, as well as the Human Resources department, mentor talented and ambitious women to fulfill Dr. Iwamoto's vision to increase women executives at Otsuka Pharmaceutical to 50% by 2020.

Read the full story with photos at:

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/index.php?year=2012

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd.'s 'Read between the lines' hyponatraemia awareness advertising campaign was honoured with two Awards of Excellence at the Rx Club Show Awards Ceremony 2012.

New York's Rx Club Show is internationally renowned in the healthcare industry for showcasing the world's best healthcare advertising and recognising excellence in global healthcare communications. It honours the creative aspects of pharmaceutical advertising and promotion and is judged by a panel of industry experts that are solely centred on creativity.

The campaign is targeted at Healthcare Professionals and brings the patients' perspective to the forefront of the mind, making the campaign a highly emotive one. It was developed to promote awareness and recognition of the symptoms of hyponatraemia so that minor, as well as major symptoms are considered and drive earlier treatment and referral.

"I was truly happy and proud that we won the award. As a company in Europe that provides a treatment for hyponatraemia secondary to SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion), we have a lot to do to raise awareness of this difficult to treat condition. It all starts with increasing the disease awareness in order to be able to identify patients who need treatment and to treat them better," said Anne-Sophie Audibert, European Product Manager - Specialty Products, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd.

The first award of excellence was received for an advertising awareness campaign that was published in a number of key international journals, including Kidney International. The second award was for a digital online banner advert that was hosted in a number of highly regarded electronic journals, such as the New England Journal of Medicine.

Both of these serve to drive Healthcare Professionals to the www.hyponatraemia.com disease awareness website, which aims to provide education and increase the awareness of hyponatraemia.