Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announces the launch in Japan of an orally disintegrating (OD) tablet form of the vasopressin V₂-receptor antagonist SAMSCA^® (generic name is tolvaptan). The tablets are available at medical institutions nationwide from November 27 in 7.5 mg, 15 mg and 30 mg doses.

In Japan, SAMSCA is prescribed to patients across a wide age range. This includes patients with excessive water retention resulting from heart failure or hepatic cirrhosis and who have inadequate responses to other diuretics. SAMSCA is also prescribed to slow disease progression in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

SAMSCA OD Tablets disintegrate quickly in the oral cavity, making administration of the drug easier and also more convenient for elderly patients and patients with reduced swallowing function.

Otsuka will continue to pursue research and development with the potential to contribute to the lives of patients and their families around the world.