Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo, Japan; President: Tatsuo Higuchi) has announced the October 9, 2018 launch of nationwide retail distribution of BODYMAINTÉ Drink, a new conditioning beverage from the BODYMAINTÉ brand.

Based on supplementation of fluid and electrolytes (ions) to support optimum hydration levels, BODYMAINTÉ Drink is a newly developed beverage containing protective lactic acid bacterium B240^*, a proprietary Otsuka Pharmaceutical ingredient. BODYMAINTÉ Drink offers support for those who wish to guard against routine risks and for anyone concerned with maintaining physical condition.

B240 is a plant-based lactic acid bacteria found in miang, a form of fermented tea leaves traditionally consumed in northern Thailand. Focusing on local people's belief in the health benefits of consuming or chewing miang, Otsuka Pharmaceutical confirmed the role of these tea leaves through proprietary research. Lactic acid bacterium B240 was isolated by Tokyo University of Agriculture, and joint research undertaken by the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Otsu Nutraceuticals Research Institute and Prefectural University of Kumamoto confirmed its efficacy for enhancing biological defense mechanisms in 2015. Lactic acid bacterium B240 supports athletes subject to the risks that accompany rigorous training and people who are concerned with management of physical condition.

• *Lactic acid bacterium B240・・・Lactobacillus pentosus ONRICb0240

Our bodies are composed mostly of fluids; approximately 60% of adult human body weight (80% for newborn infants) is body fluid. Containing sodium and other electrolytes (ions), body fluid plays an important role in maintaining life processes. Preservation of optimum fluid and electrolyte balance through consumption of water and electrolytes similar to life-supporting body fluid is the first step for maintaining good health.

About BODYMAINTÉ

The BODYMAINTÉ brand was conceived to contribute to the health and well-being of anyone concerned with management of physical condition. BODYMAINTÉ was developed as a result of research into the digestive tract and nutrition carried out at the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Otsu Nutraceuticals Research Institute and studies on exercise and nutrition initiated at the Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute.

Aware of concerns about athletes who pursue rigorous training regimens, Otsuka Pharmaceutical developed new BODYMAINTÉ Jelly, a conditioning food formulated with proprietary ingredient lactic acid bacterium B240, BCAA + arginine, and whey protein. Launched in April 2017, BODYMAINTÉ Jelly has earned a widespread following among athletes, sports trainers, and others concerned with maintaining and enhancing physical condition. Developed as a conditioning beverage to support management of physical condition among a broader segment of the public at large, BODYMAINTÉ Drink began test marketing in January 2018 and will be available through retail outlets nationwide from October 2018.

Based on its corporate philosophy of "Otsuka - people creating new products for better health worldwide," Otsuka Pharmaceutical will continue to contribute to the health and wellbeing of people around the world.