About Otsuka

Timeline of Otsuka's History
1984~1993

  • CorpCorporate
  • PhPharmaceutical business
  • NCNutraceutical business

1984

Ph
Mikelan ophthalmic solution launched

Beta-blocker ophthalmic solution

NC
Saga Research Institute (now Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute) established

Established as a research center for Otsuka's nutraceutical business

1985

Ph
Lorelco launched

Anti-hyperlipidemic agent

Maryland Research Laboratories opened in the U.S.

Maryland Research Laboratories was established as the R&D base in the U.S.

1986

Corp
Saga Factory opened

The Saga Factory began as a POCARI SWEAT production plant and started producing pharmaceuticals from 1990.

U.S.-based Ridge Vineyards joined the Otsuka group

1987

NC
South Korea-based Dong-A Foods (now Dong-A Otsuka Co., Ltd.) stake acquired

The Dong-A-Foods acquisition was the first among several affiliated nutraceuticals companies that have been established in Asia by Otsuka.

1988

Corp
Employee Awa dance group Otsuka Ren formed
Human Resource Development Institute established in Tokushima
Ph
Otsuka Pakistan Ltd. established
Aminoleban EN launched

An oral nutrient for liver failure patients

Pletaal launched

An antiplatelet agent

OIF launched

A natural interferon alpha formulation

NC
FIBE-MINI launched

1989

Corp
Tokushima Wajiki Factory completed

The Tokushima Wajiki Factory began as a Calorie Mate Block production site and currently also produces pharmaceuticals.

Takasaki Factory completed

The Takasaki Factory began as a POCARI SWEAT and FIBE-MINI production site.

Ph
Otsuka America, Inc. and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. established
NC
U.S.-based Pharmavite Corporation (now Pharmavite, LLC) joined group

1990

Corp
The outdoor concert "EXCITING SUMMER IN WAJIKI" first held

Sponsored in conjunction with local communities, the EXCITING SUMMER IN WAJIKI is held every summer on the outdoor stage at Otsuka Pharmaceutical's Tokushima Wajiki Factory.

Otsuka's first Women's Forum held

The forum was held to promote the professional development and career advancement of female employees.

Ph
Mucosta launched

Anti-gastritis and anti-gastric ulcer agent

L-Cartin launched

Levocarnitine formulator

NC
U.S.-based Crystal Geyser Water Company joined group
Marketing alliance with Nestlé
Otsu Research Laboratories (now Otsu SkinCare Research Institute) established

The laboratories was established with a focus on sustenance for the skin and as R&D base for the Cosmedics* business.

  • *Cosmedics: cosmetics + medicine

1991

NC
theCALCIUM launched

1992

Ph
Ako Research Institute established in Hyogo, Japan
NC
BeanStalk launched

1993

Ph
Acuatim launched

First topical quinolone antibacterial agent

NC
Nature Made launched in Japan

Nature Made is imported to Japan from the U.S.

energen launched