• A new countermeasure to cope with heat disorders, an area of focus for Otsuka Pharmaceutical since 1992.
• Ice beverage conceived to support activities in hot environments. Proprietary liquid composition enables room-temperature storage and formation of icy slurry with highly effective cooling properties when re-frozen.
• Launched as a seasonal summer product, POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY will be available through the Otsuka Plus One e-commerce website from July 12, 2018.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY, available through the Otsuka Plus One e-commerce website beginning July 12, 2018. Conceived to support activities in hot environments, the new addition to the POCARI SWEAT product line was developed as a beverage that "cools from the core," based on heat disorder management with a focus on core temperature.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical has been involved in activities to promote public awareness of the importance of hydration and replenishment of electrolytes (ions) for prevention of heat disorders during sports activities since 1992. Though heat disorders can be avoided with proper awareness and appropriate precautions, more than 50,000 heat disorder patients*¹ were transported by ambulance during the summer of 2017. In the quest to eliminate heat disorders, Otsuka believes that more proactive solutions are required.

With this goal in mind, Otsuka developed the new ice slurry*² formula based on expertise accumulated over decades of heat disorder-related research.

Ice slurry is a liquid in which ice micro-crystals are held in suspension. The extremely fine crystals have a higher cooling effect compared to regular ice.

Prehydration with POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY before activities effectively "cools from the core," while simultaneously replenishing liquid and electrolytes (ions). The proprietary composition permits room temperature storage while ensuring formation of ice slurry when the product is refrozen. POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY offers those who must perform in hot environments the new option of "liquid ice" as a heat disorder prevention measure.

Based on our corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka - people creating new products for better health worldwide', Otsuka Pharmaceutical is dedicated to the development of innovative products that contribute to the health of people around the world.

1. 1A total of 52,984 heat disorder patients were transported by ambulance between May and September 2017 (Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency)
2. 2Blended ice beverages and smoothies are also types of ice slurry

■Product Overview　Official Website　https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/nutraceutical/products/pocarisweat/