Tokyo, Japan --Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President: Tatsuo Higuchi) announced that its subsidiary, Pharmavite LLC launched SOYJOY, a nutritious bar-shaped baked product made from whole soybeans, nationwide in the US in early March. SOYJOY was launched in the US under the auspices of Otsuka Pharmaceuticals' Japan-US-China Project, following its April 2006 debut in Japan and its December 2006 launch in China.

Containing no wheat flour, SOYJOY is a new type of nutrition product produced by baking dough made of powdered whole soybeans^*, with generous amounts of fruit. In Japan, SOYJOY has become very popular since its launch. As a convenient, portable nutrition product that offers the healthy benefits of soy and the delicious flavor of fruit, SOYJOY provides a convenient way for business people, busy people from every walk of life and health conscious people to enjoy flavor and nutrition any time, any place. In the US, the product will also be marketed under the brand name of 'SOYJOY', with a package design that closely resembles the product sold in Japan. The US version of SOYJOY debuts in Raisin & Almond, Berry, Mango Coconut, and Apple flavors.

• * Hulled soybeans

Awareness of the healthful properties of soy is increasing rapidly throughout the US, but compared to Japan, consumption of soy is still low. The market, however, for nutrition bars is a huge one, and with the introduction of the SOYJOY fruit soy bar, Pharmavite aims to establish a new category in this flourishing market. Entrusted with manufacture and sale of SOYJOY in the US market, Pharmavite LLC, the recipient of capital investment from Otsuka Pharmaceutical in 1988, is engaged in the sale and manufacture of nutrition products, primarily the familiar NatureMade brand. Pharmavite products are sold throughout the US in drugstores, large-scale retailers, convenience stores, and natural foods stores.

The US market for natural food products has expanded 30% over the past six years. Fueled by increased health consciousness, continued growth is predicted. SOYJOY, an all-natural soy-based product containing no additives, artificial flavor or sweeteners, is positioned to make a contribution to healthier diets for consumers in the US.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd will establish a new business model with mindset for "Japan, US, and China" that have different cultures and histories as a unified market. Reflecting unique ideas and global perspectives, we will expand new brands with speed and ambition to bring health to people around the world.

Based on its corporate philosophy of "Otsuka - People creating new products for better health worldwide", Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., is dedicated to contributing to the health and well being of people around the world.