Otsuka prescription medicines such as its antipsychotic medication ABILIFY are sold through agents. As Otsuka advances toward the introduction of innovative new products in Singapore and in the neighboring countries of Malaysia, Cambodia and Myanmar, the decision was made to establish a local subsidiary. This subsidiary will oversee the agency business, and thereby further promote the availability of Otsuka medicines in the region.

In the 10-member ASEAN regional bloc (Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, etc.) access to medical services is steadily improving as income levels rise and healthcare delivery systems become more advanced. For these reasons and others, such as an increase in lifestyle-related diseases, Otsuka anticipates that robust health sector growth will continue. Singapore, which is a regional economic hub, actively promotes medical tourism and prioritizes the biomedical sector as national strategies, therefore a direct presence there will facilitate Otsuka's involvement in healthcare in Singapore and beyond.