Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) announces our development of a new self-conditioning food product, /zeroz, by focusing on oxygen, an essential element for human life. /zeroz contains kaempferol, a plant-derived ingredient that helps the body make effective use of oxygen and was created under the concept of "Active Inner Resource," which aims to activate the body's natural capabilities.

The product comes in a tablet format that can be consumed without water--either by sucking or chewing--and features a citrus & tea flavor with refreshing citrus notes and a hint of matcha. Each tablet provides 10 mg of kaempferol, the recommended daily intake.

Starting at 10:00 a.m. on March 17, the product will be available for purchase--exclusively for subscription customers and limited to the first 20,000 people--through our online store Otsuka Plus1 (https://www.otsuka-plus1.com/shop/ in Japanese）. To allow selected customers to experience the product early, a pre-launch lottery sale will be offered exclusively to subscription customers, with applications accepted from February 25 to March 3 prior to the broader release. A total of 5,000 winners will be eligible for this pre-sale.

■Kaempferol supports the efficient use of oxygen and works to activate the body's natural abilities.

/zeroz was developed under the concept of "Active Inner Resource," which differs from the conventional approach of supplementing missing nutrients or components. Instead, it aims to activate the body's innate capabilities. By helping the body make more effective use of oxygen, it serves as a self‑conditioning food that supports a healthy everyday life.

The utilization of oxygen is deeply connected to energy production and everyday performance. However, the body's ability to use oxygen is known to change with age and lifestyle habits. Otsuka focused on the dietary habits of high‑altitude populations living in low‑oxygen environments, exploring how these communities adapt to reduced oxygen levels. Through an examination of 341 types of high-altitude foods from around the world, we have identified kaempferol, a plant-derived component, as a key ingredient. Further investigation revealed that the leaves of horseradish contain a particularly high level of kaempferol. Over the course of approximately 13 years of research into human oxygen utilization, Otsuka conducted numerous studies on the benefits of kaempferol, confirmed its safety, and established proprietary technologies to improve its absorption efficiency. These efforts have culminated in the launch of the new product, /zeroz.

/zeroz supports people in staying healthy and true to themselves in every moment--whether they are in an active "ON" mode or taking time to rest in an "OFF" mode.

In our nutraceutical-related business, we continue to leverage the expertise cultivated through our medical-related operations to develop scientifically backed products that help maintain and enhance people's health. It is widely recognized that water, nutrition, and oxygen are all essential for energy production in the body.

Over the years, we have created and proposed various forms of value, including Pocari Sweat, which supports hydration, and Calorie Mate, which provides balanced nutrition. Our new product, /zeroz, focuses on oxygen and offers a new form of value as a self-conditioning food designed to support everyday well-being.

■Product Name Origin

In mathematics, when the denominator of a fraction approaches zero, the value of the fraction approaches infinity (assuming the numerator is positive). Drawing on this idea, we gave "/0" (division by zero) the meaning of "unleashing infinite possibilities." Additionally, the silhouette of "oz" resembles that of "O₂," and the letter "z" can also signify "ultimate." Combining these nuances, we named the product /zeroz, reflecting our aspiration to offer "the ultimate answer that unlocks infinite possibilities through the power of oxygen."

■Product Information

Official brand site (in Japanese)　https://otsuka-air.jp

■Research and Development in Otsuka Pharmaceutical's Nutraceutical Business

In 1984, with the aim of contributing to people's everyday health, Otsuka established a research center in Saga Prefecture for nutraceutical-related businesses. The center was the first privately operated clinical exercise and nutrition research institute in Japan and has since conducted research and product development under innovative concepts in areas such as hydration and electrolyte replenishment, nutritional balance, and women's health. Today, operating as the Nutrition Research Institute, our research activities are carried out at two sites: the Saga Research Site and the Otsu Research Site.

In addition, with the aim of pursuing cutting‑edge science and advancing the development of innovative new products, we established the Advanced Science Research Institute in 2025. Adopting a new research model that intentionally operates without a dedicated physical facility, the institute collaborates with top‑tier research organizations and universities in Japan and abroad. Through this network-driven approach, we successfully developed our new product, /zeroz.

Among the essential elements for sustaining life, we have accumulated extensive research findings on water through Pocari Sweat and on nutrition through Calorie Mate. By adding the new insights on oxygen gained through the development of /zeroz, we will continue striving to create new values for the future.

Based on the corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide,' Otsuka Pharmaceutical continues to contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world.

About Otsuka

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a total healthcare company that focuses on each individual's potential to enhance their well-being. Our medical-related business provides treatments and diagnostics for both physical and mental health. Our nutraceutical business supports daily health maintenance and improvement. Otsuka's unique products and services are based on scientific evidence, under the guidance of our corporate philosophy: Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide.For further information, please visit. www.otsuka.co.jp/en/