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Otsuka Podcast

The latest news from Otsuka's global team of professionals working to create new products for better health worldwide.
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Welcome to Otsuka Podcast, featuring stories of change from Otsuka Pharmaceutical's global team.

Please visit us at www.otsuka.co.jp for more stories and to see the photos and videos that accompany these episodes.

Oct 14, 2014

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.

 

Oct 14, 2014

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.”

Oct 9, 2014

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.

 

Oct 2, 2014

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.

Oct 1, 2014

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.

 

Sep 30, 2014

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.

Sep 26, 2014

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.

Aug 29, 2014

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.

Aug 12, 2014

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.

Jul 16, 2014

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.

Jun 14, 2014

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.

Jun 8, 2014

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.

Jun 1, 2014

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.

May 31, 2014

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.

May 31, 2014

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.”

May 16, 2014

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.

 

May 15, 2014

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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.”

May 13, 2014

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.”

Apr 18, 2014

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.

Apr 2, 2014

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.

Apr 1, 2014

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.

Apr 1, 2014

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).

Mar 27, 2014

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.

Mar 20, 2014

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

Mar 4, 2014

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.

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