Original Research & Development

OPC conducts pre-clinical development primarily in Japan, based on the premise of “developing original new pharmaceuticals that meet needs on the medical front.” Subsequent clinical development is conducted via its worldwide networks. At present, OPC is aiming to develop original pharmaceutical products in the top priority areas of the central nervous system and oncology and in the priority areas of cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory systems, infectious disease, and ophthalmology and dermatology. The company is also making the most of its genome research outcomes to develop individualized medical care and its internal and external networks to pursue novel approaches to drug discovery, diagnostics, and prevention.

In recent years, OPC obtained approval for a reliably safe next-generation atypical antipsychotic with a unique pharmacological mechanism, initially in the U.S. and subsequently in the EU, Japan, and Asian nations. OPC is currently conducting clinical development of innovative drugs, including aquaretic and anti-inflammatory agents, around the world. The company is also expanding the potential of its existing drugs by taking steps like developing new applications and devising additional formulations in pursuit of greater convenience for patients taking medication. In the fields of clinical diagnostics and reagents, OPC is striving to develop diagnostic reagents for lifestyle-related diseases as well as stable isotope products, and is working to commercialize gene-related technologies.

OPC is engaged in the development of nutritional products to support day-to-day health based on the concept of nutraceuticals. Based on scientific inquiry into nutritional needs for various age groups and physical conditions, OPC has given the world a number of original products developed using its pharmaceuticals research know-how. This roster of innovative products that have created entirely new markets include Pocari Sweat, an electrolyte supplement beverage created based on the balance of fluids in the human body, Calorie Mate balanced nutritional products, and the dietary fiber-rich beverage FIBE-MINI. Today, OPC continues to work through its network of group companies to create more products that bring new ideas to the market, including Amino-Value, a beverage formulated with BCAA (branched chain amino acids), and SOYJOY, a fruit soy bar offering a new way of consuming soybeans, which offer rich nutritional value.

Since 1990, OPC has conducted research and development of cosmedics based on the notion of “health that starts with your skin.” In recent years, these efforts produced a succession of outcomes—namely, the InnerSignal and UL-OS series of products. Going forward, OPC will continue to research and develop new nutraceuticals and cosmedics products for global markets.