Dedicated to Addressing Unmet Medical Needs
Commitment to innovation in research and development
As a total healthcare company, Otsuka Pharmaceutical is committed to being an indispensable contributor to the health of people around the world. By providing innovative products and total healthcare services, we are dedicated to addressing medical needs across the healthcare spectrum, from disease prevention to diagnosis and treatment.
Genetic engineering and molecular biology have developed remarkably in the pharmaceutical industry, and new drug discovery technologies have emerged. We are entering an era of diversification in terms of modalities (means of treatment), with an increase in drug discovery methods for previously difficult-to-treat diseases, such as antibody drugs and cancer immunotherapy, in addition to conventional small-molecule drug discovery.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical is strengthening its drug discovery infrastructure to generate innovation by conducting research not only in Japan but also at four bases in the U.S., the UK, and China and by building networks and supporting research with academia and bio-ventures that possess cutting-edge research technologies. By sharing our respective expertise and the latest technologies and by promoting cutting-edge research and development while recognizing diversity, we will create innovative new medicines through continuous innovation.
Efforts to enhance patient access to treatment
Broadening patient access to leukemia therapy, ICLUSIG® (ponatinib)
Otsuka Pharmaceutical developed the Otsuka Global Patient Access Support Policy with the aim of improving treatment accessibility for patients. Starting in 2019, the Otsuka Patient Assistance (OPAP) program has been implemented to improve healthcare access and treatment outcomes by offering financial assistance to patients who are unable to cover the cost of their treatment due to inadequate reimbursement or other financial constraints.
Broadening the reach of investigational new drugs
For patients who may want to participate in a clinical trial, but may not be able to, there is still a possibility to access an investigational drug through the Expanded Access program.
Expanded access, also known as compassionate use, allows for an investigational medical product that has not yet been approved by the FDA to be used outside of a clinical trial. U.S. subsidiary Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (OPDC) accepts requests for expanded access from physicians currently treating patients for whom there are no other treatment options available.
