Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Corporate
March 12, 2009

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
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)