Otsuka America, Inc., a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., announced on June 23, 2026 (U.S.) new heat illness prevention guidance developed by the POCARI SWEAT SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD (POCARI SWEAT SAB), established to promote the adoption of evidence-based heat management practices. Established in July 2025, POCARI SWEAT SAB is composed of leading experts from the United States and abroad in the fields of heat stress, hydration, sports medicine, and occupational health.

In the United States, both the frequency and severity of summer heat waves have been increasing, making heat illness an emerging public health challenge. To help advance heat illness prevention across a wide range of everyday settings, the POCARI SWEAT SAB will propose more practical, actionable guidance and promote research on hydration and electrolyte replenishment, proposing new approaches to addressing heat challenges in the United States.

Heat illness is placing a significant burden on the U.S. healthcare system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 119,605 emergency department visits related to heat-related illness in 2023, the majority of which occurred during the summer months*. As heat risks continue to intensify, many existing guidelines remain limited in scope, often focused on specific populations such as outdoor workers or individuals in high-heat environments, and tend to emphasize response after symptoms have worsened. To address this gap, the POCARI SWEAT SAB has developed new guidance focused on practical, preventive measures that can be readily applied in a wide range of everyday settings, including leisure activities and sports. Otsuka America will use this guidance to promote evidence-based educational initiatives to help people in the U.S. recognize heat as a health risk and take appropriate preventive actions.

■About POCARI SWEAT's Expansion in the United States

POCARI SWEAT is an ion beverage developed in Japan. Following its launch in Japan in 1980, the brand began international expansion in 1982 and is now available in more than 20 countries and regions worldwide. In the U.S., full-scale sales commenced in 2023, and the brand has continued to grow steadily.
Leveraging the expertise gained through research and development in Japan, as well as over 30 years of public awareness initiatives on heat disorder prevention, Otsuka America, Inc. promotes the concept of "Caring Hydration", encouraging people not only to hydrate for themselves, but also to think of and care for someone important to them by encouraging proper fluid and electrolyte intake. Under this concept, the company provides information on the importance of hydration and electrolyte replenishment to individuals working in hot environments, students, and people engaged in sports and physical activities.

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/