• Otsuka Pharmaceutical has become the first corporate partner in the Japan Anti-Doping Agency's official Sports Pharmacist certification system, an initiative conceived to provide pharmacists with knowledge and information related to anti-doping regulations.
• Otsuka will cooperate in the education and certification of official Sports Pharmacists, contributing expertise developed in the fields of sports medicine and sports science and experience in awareness-raising activities, in the interest of contributing to an environment in which athletes can compete with confidence.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo Japan; President: Tatsuo Higuchi) has become a corporate supporter of the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA^*1)-sponsored official Sports Pharmacists certification system.

The official Sports Pharmacist certification system, the first program of its kind in the world, was launched by JADA in partnership with the Japan Pharmaceutical Association (JPA) in 2009. Sports Pharmacists are professional pharmacists certified by JADA who possess the latest and most accurate information and knowledge on anti-doping rules. The main objectives of the program are to provide athletes and sports enthusiasts with advice regarding proper use of substances and participate in health education and outreach activities to promote anti-doping initiatives in sport.

Otsuka has supported anti-doping initiatives since the start of the JADA sponsor program in 2003. The decision to support the official Sports Pharmacist certification system was prompted by recognition of the need to reinforce the system based on recent intensification of the international anti-doping movement and renewed focus on fairness in sports.

JADA President, Hidenori Suzuki remarked, "In addition to supporting our Sports Pharmacist certification system from the planning stages, Otsuka Pharmaceutical's affirmation of our efforts to reinforce the program will contribute to expanding education and certification efforts, becoming a driving force as we strive to create an environment in which clean athletes can compete with confidence."

Based on the corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka - people creating new products for better health worldwide', Otsuka Pharmaceutical develops and markets innovative and creative products in its core businesses of pharmaceuticals (prescription drugs) and "nutraceuticals^*2" (nutritional foods and beverages that contribute to wellness). In the field of nutraceuticals, Otsuka is engaged in research and development, production and sale, and communication of information for innovative products based on scientific evidence to maintain and promote general health and help athletes maximize their performance. In addition to ongoing support for athletes in domestic and international competitions and sports enthusiasts of all ages, Otsuka also actively provides valuable information for coaches, trainers, and other support personnel.
Through these and other activities, Otsuka is uniquely suited as a partner in the JADA Sports Pharmacist program. As a comprehensive healthcare company, Otsuka will continue efforts to contribute to the health and well-being of people everywhere.

1. 1Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA): Official entity serving as Japan's primary authority to implement anti-doping rules in the interest of preserving fairness and integrity in sports.
2. 2Nutraceuticals: Nutrition + pharmaceuticals