About Otsuka

Transparency Guidelines for the Relationship between
Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Patient Advocacy Groups

Purpose of the Guidelines

In keeping with our corporate philosophy, "Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide," our mission is to continue supporting medical care and health worldwide through the ongoing development and stable supply of new medicines and consumer products for better health.
In order to fulfill this mission, Otsuka Pharmaceutical must adhere to the highest ethical standards in all aspects relating to pharmaceuticals and patients, listening carefully to the needs and concerns of patients and their families, and working to further their understanding.

The reach and influence of patient advocacy groups have grown today, in their role as important stakeholders in the medical welfare system.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical must secure a level of transparency in its relationships with patient advocacy groups and adhere to high ethical standards, in order for such relationships to be accepted so that we may continue contributing to health worldwide through our work with patient advocacy groups.

Basic Stance

Otsuka Pharmaceutical respects the independence of patient advocacy groups and is committed to securing a level of transparency in its relationships with patient advocacy groups. Accordingly, Otsuka Pharmaceutical will disclose details of its involvement with patient advocacy groups and reach agreement in writing with patient advocacy groups concerning the purpose and details of funding, as well as retaining records.

Additionally, Otsuka Pharmaceutical will adhere to the guidelines and spirit of the Member Company Charter, Compliance Program Guidelines, and Code of Practice of the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA), as well as its respective transparency guidelines for relationships with medical institutions and patient advocacy groups, in all activities that Otsuka Pharmaceutical conducts with patient advocacy groups.

Method, Timing, and Scope of Information

Otsuka Pharmaceutical will disclose the following information concerning funding and support provided to patient advocacy groups.

1. Method of Disclosure

Information is disclosed through the website of Otsuka Pharmaceutical.

2. Timing of Disclosure

Funding and support provided to patient advocacy groups in fiscal 2013 and beyond will be disclosed following the release of the earnings report for the preceding fiscal year (fiscal 2014 and beyond).

3. Scope of Disclosure

The following types of funding and support will be disclosed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical.

A. Donations, monetary contributions, membership fees, supporting member fees, advertising expenses, etc.
Name of patient advocacy group and itemized total annual amount
B. Expenses associated with lectures, information meetings, and workshops sponsored or co-sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceutical for the purpose of supporting patient advocacy groups
Name of patient advocacy group and total annual amount
C. Expenses commissioned to third parties in connection with the support of patient advocacy groups
Name of patient advocacy group and total annual amount
D. Provision of services
Name of patient advocacy group provided with services