TB is one of 3 major infectious diseases, along with AIDS and Malaria, and remains a serious threat to public health.

Otsuka has been carrying out research and development for an anti-tuberculosis medication for many years; we are currently developing medication for multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. In 2016, with an urgent need for a new option for medication for this disease, our group company in Germany, Otsuka Novel Products GmbH, collaborated with the Global Drug Facility of the Stop TB Partnership to create a public-private partnership to increase access to our company's anti-tuberculosis drugs.

The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund) was established as the world's first global health research and development fund through the partnership of government agencies (the Japanese government), corporations, and civil groups (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and others). The fund aims to make use of Japan's advanced technology and innovation to develop diagnostic drugs and treatments for the three major infectious diseases, as well as tropical diseases which have spread across developing nations. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company joined the Fund as an associate partner in June 2016.