Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) announces that Otsuka BioVentures, LLC (OBV), a corporate venture capital (CVC) firm headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, U.S., under its wholly owned subsidiary Otsuka America, Inc. (San Francisco, California) has begun strategic equity investments.

OBV will make strategic equity investments in promising startup companies developing innovative science and technologies that complement and expand Otsuka Pharmaceutical's internal R&D efforts in its key focus areas including psychiatry, neurology, nephrology, and immunology. Through these investments, OBV aims to provide portfolio companies with access to Otsuka Pharmaceutical's expertise in drug development and commercialization, while broadening access to cutting-edge science and technologies and fostering opportunities for future partnerships

In June of this year, OBV participated in the Series B financing round of SonoThera Therapeutics (South San Francisco, California, U.S.) as its first investment.¹ SonoThera is developing a non-viral gene therapy platform that utilizes ultrasound technology for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The proceeds from the financing are expected to support the advancement of these programs.

OBV has already made its second investment and continues to actively pursue investment opportunities in promising life sciences companies.

Tarek Rabah, president of OBV, commented, "For Otsuka Pharmaceutical, investments, acquisitions, and collaborations are important ways to connect our long-standing commitment to perseverance and clinical excellence with new innovation. We seek to build partnerships with companies where the combination of Otsuka's strengths and expertise can further unlock the potential of promising innovations, ultimately maximizing the impact for patients around the world."

Otsuka will continue to expand its engagement with promising startup companies through OBV and create opportunities for strategic partnerships. By fostering the convergence of science and solutions to address societal challenges, the company remains committed to delivering sustainable innovation and strengthening its business portfolio.

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/

• 1. SonoThera Closes Oversubscribed $125 Million Series B Financing to Advance Clinical Development of Ultrasound-Mediated Nonviral Genetic Medicines - SonoThera