Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Supports Anti-Doping Efforts through Participation in “ Pharmacist” Project
Tokyo, Japan, March 12, 2009 -- Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President: Taro Iwamoto) today announced support for the Sports Pharmacist project, which is being launched in April 2009 as part of efforts to eliminate doping in sports.
A Sports Pharmacist is a pharmacist who works together with other professionals in the sports field, utilizing knowledge of pharmacological effects to provide advice and information to prevent athletes from committing doping offences.
Doping is a term used to refer to the illicit use of performance-enhancing drugs to improve athletic performance. In addition to intentional use of banned substances, unintentional consumption of over-the-counter medicines or energy drinks is known to cause a positive reaction to tests for prohibited substances. This unintentional doping is known as 'inadvertent doping'. In Japan, most violations are attributed to inadvertent doping, and this has become a pressing problem in the Japanese sports occasions. To address this problem, the Japan Anti-Doping Agency has partnered with the Japan Pharmaceutical Association to introduce the Sports Pharmacist project, which aims to disseminate accurate anti-doping information to athletes and members of the public, based on pharmacists' specialized knowledge of the pharmacological effects of various substances. A Sports Pharmacist accreditation system will commence in April 2009, with registration for official training and certification programs beginning on April 1st.
As a provider of scientifically developed products such as Pocari Sweat, Amino-Value, Calorie Mate and NatureMade, that promote heath and wellbeing based on the concept of Nutraceuticals*, Otsuka Pharmaceutical fully endorses the Sports Pharmacist project and will support various aspects of this program.
- Nutraceuticals: Nutrition + Pharmaceuticals: nutrition products to support day-to-day well-being.
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 of people around the world.
Sports Pharmacist Accreditation Program
Candidates | Certified pharmacists |
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Accreditation method | Candidates will attend basic lectures and practical seminars, followed by a certification exam; those who pass the exam will be certified as Sports Pharmacists by the Japan Anti-Doping Agency. |
Period for applications | Wednesday, April 1 - Wednesday, April 15, 2009 |
Application method | Via website (registrations accepted from April 1)
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