Challenges for Yet-to-Be-Imagined Needs
Under the corporate philosophy of "Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide," the Otsuka group aims to become an indispensable contributor to people’s health worldwide through its two core businesses: the Pharmaceutical Business, which provides comprehensive health support from diagnosis to treatment of diseases, and the Nutraceuticals Business*, which helps people maintain and improve day-to-day health.
In the 4th Medium-Term Management Plan that started in 2024, the group will focus on three social issues: "Global environment," "Women's health," and "Aging society with a declining birthrate." Through its business activities, the group aims to solve these issues and create a Well-being future.
- *Nutraceuticals are products that have scientific evidence to be beneficial for maintaining and improving daily health, created from the combination of "Nutrition" and "Pharmaceuticals."
Global Environment
Core Principles
As it is said that "The era of global boiling has arrived," global warming has become more severe worldwide in recent years. This has led to various issues such as increased natural disasters, poor crop yields, increased incidents due to heat disorders, and the spread of infectious diseases. The Otsuka group aims to contribute to people's health by providing products and services that prevent heat disorders and reduce environmental impact.
Solutions Provided by the Otsuka Group
The ion supply drink POCARI SWEAT is available in over 20 countries and regions worldwide, mainly in Asian countries such as China and Indonesia. Through raising awareness of the importance of preventing heat disorders ensuring hydration and electrolyte replenishment, the group aims to contribute to health issues in new areas such as India and the US.
Daiya Foods, a North American developer, manufacturer and marketer of plant-based foods, develops high-quality and creative products, such as cheese substitutes, dressings, and desserts made from plant-based ingredients. Its products are widely supported by health-conscious people, as well as vegetarians and those with food allergies. Moreover, Daiya Foods will continue to contribute to reducing environmental impact in water use and CO₂ emission in the plant-based cheese production process.
Women's Health
Core Principles
According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, it was estimated in 2024 that the economic loss to society at large caused by women-specific conditions, such as menstrual-related and menopausal symptoms, was equivalent to 3.4 trillion yen. The Otsuka group believes it is important for women to thrive, and that people themselves and their surroundings understand the physical and mental changes that occur at various life stages, and that they should be better prepared to deal with them. Based on the insights gained from years of research and development, the group is addressing women's health issues through approaches.
Solutions Provided by the Otsuka Group
It is said that menopausal symptoms and urological and gynecological-related health issues vary significantly among individuals and races, and tailored solutions for each symptom are required. In 2021 and 2023, Pharmavite acquired Uqora and Bonafide Health, US companies with strengths in women's unique health fields. In addition to expanding the distribution of EQUELLE, which is a supplement containing equol developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical in Japan and the US, the group is promoting the provision of solutions for women's health issues globally by leveraging scientific evidence and data from these US companies. The group will focus on nurturing the "women's health" category, mainly in North America, and building a foundation as a category leader.
Under the concept of "cosmedics," a term combining "cosmetics" and "medicine, InnerSignal and Sakuraé provide solutions for concerns such as dark spots and dull skin through unique ideas and technology, considering "skin health."
Aging Society with a Declining Birthrate
Core Principles
The advance of medical technology and improvement in public health has seen the average lifespan increase worldwide. However, along with decreasing birthrates and aging population, health issues have emerged such as lifestyle-related diseases. The Otsuka group strives to provide appropriate solutions to address social issues at each life stage through science-based products leveraging our know-how acquired through the Pharmaceutical Business, focusing on prevention of disease and improvement of health.
Solutions Provided by the Otsuka Group
The supplement Nature Made®, was founded by a pharmacist in the US, who was concerned that prescribed drugs could not sufficiently improve holistic health. The founder was committed to providing essential nutrients by enhancing nutritional research aligned with nature. The product lineup caters at every stage of life. During the 4th Medium-Term Management Plan period starting in 2024, it will accelerate global expansion and strive to maximize value further.