About Us
Research and Development
Exploring the Limitless Possibilities of Intravenous Products
By developing and introducing new plastic containers and packaging system, we have created a revolution in intravenous solution products and packaging, introducing a new era in the field of parenteral nutrition. We are constantly working to develop quality products to evolve from “Otsuka, supplier of intravenous solutions” into “Otsuka, supplier of a full line of parenteral nutrition products,” providing our products as a parenteral therapy system.
The Never-Ending Quest for Better Products
The Research & Development division has been actively involved in the development of intravenous nutrition products for the fluid and nutritional management of patients with various clinical conditions.
In the 1970s, Otsuka launched Martos-10 and Potacol R, which contain the disaccharide maltose as an energy source. In the 1980s, we launched four groundbreaking products: Plas-Amino (a solution containing glucose and amino acids, which had previously been considered difficult to mix together due to the Maillard reaction), Aminoleban (an amino acid solution for the improvement of hepatic encephalopathy [hepatic coma], which opened up a new realm of disease-specific infusion solutions), Triparen (a TPN solution containing carbohydrates [glucose, fructose, and xylitol] and electrolytes), and Amiparen (a 10% amino acid solution). Then, in the 1990s, we introduced Aminotripa, based on Triparen and Amiparen packaged in a dual-chamber bag. This was followed by the introduction of the peripheral product Aminofluid, a dual-chamber bag product containing glucose, amino acids, and electrolytes. Kidmin, an amino acid solution for patients with renal failure, was also introduced. In 2002, we launched Mixid, a TPN solution packaged in a dual-chamber bag that contains glucose, amino acids, electrolytes, and a fat emulsion. In 2004, we introduced Neoparen, a new TPN solution containing vitamins in addition to glucose, amino acids, and electrolytes in a multi-chamber container. In 2008, we launched B-fluid, a peripheral product based on the Aminofluid formulation with vitamin B1 supplements. In 2009, we introduced Elneopa, a TPN solution based on the Neoparen formulation with trace element supplements.
From 2006 to 2008, we introduced Heparin Lock Syringe and Normal Saline Syringe, prefilled syringe products that are not categorized in the traditional intravenous solutions. In 2008, we launched ARTCEREB Irrigation and Perfusion Solution for Cerebrospinal Surgery.
In 1996, we expanded into the field of antibiotic products and launched Otsuka CEZ Injection-MC, an antibiotic kit product that contains powdered antibiotic and diluent in a dual-chamber bag.
Focusing on the nutritional management of patients with various clinical conditions as well as other nutrition-related areas, we are constantly working to provide quality clinical nutrition products that benefit patients and satisfy the needs of the medical and healthcare professionals in both parenteral and enteral nutrition.
Advancing the Development of Intravenous Products and Delivery Systems
In 1946, we began producing and distributing glass containers for intravenous solutions. In 1968, the first product packaged in polyethylene containers was released in Japan. In 1972, the plastic material polypropylene replaced polyethylene, resulting in containers with greater strength, transparency, and heat resistance. In addition, the biaxial orientation method for making containers was adopted, resulting in improved product quality. In 1976, plastic ampoules were introduced, reducing the risk of injury from broken glass and preventing glass splinters from entering the solution when the ampoule was opened. These advances improved the quality of delivery systems for intravenous solutions in clinical practice. In 1984, we introduced a 100-mL product (the mini bottle for piggyback infusion); and in 1986, we introduced 200 to 300-mL products and developed soft bags for intravenous solutions to replace conventional bottles. The production of multi-chamber bags in 1994 and transparent soft bag containers in 1995 improved usability. The use of a multi-chamber bag permits different solutions to be packaged separately in each chamber, thus avoiding any problems related to incompatibility of the solutions before use. In 2004, we introduced a product packaged in a triple-chamber bag in which a mini chamber is placed in addition to the upper and lower chambers. In 2009, we launched a product packaged in a quadruple-chamber bag in which 2 mini chambers are placed along with the upper and lower chambers.
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