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History

We are a leading company of IV solutions in Japan. Our history is the very history of the development of Japanese IV products. We are committed to being the best partner of patients and healthcare professionals in the field of clinical nutrition.

1921
1921

1921

Busaburo Otsuka founds Otsuka Seiyaku Kogyo-bu (Otsuka Pharmaceutical)

1946

From chemical raw material manufacturer to pharmaceutical manufacturer

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1946

1946

Production of pharmaceutical products including various intravenous solutions begun

1951

1951

Glass vial for IV solutions launched

1953

1953

Oronine Ointment launched - Otsuka Group's first over-the-counter product

1968

1968

Production of Japan's first plastic bottle for IV solutions begun

1973

Development of IV business worldwide

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1974

1974

MARTOS Injection 10% launched - a disaccharide IV injection

1974

Evolving Otsuka’s clinical nutrition products

– From developing glucose solutions to developing peripheral parenteral nutrition solutions –

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1977

1977

Injection in twist-off type plastic ampule launched—a product that can be opened by twisting the tip

1977

Innovative container development

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1982

1982

PLAS-AMINO Injection launched—an injection with glucose and amino acids

1984

1984

Normal saline injection and distilled water for dissolving drugs launched in 100-mL piggy bottles

1986

1986

TRIPAREN No. 1/No. 2 Injection launched—a TPN electrolyte solution containing complex carbohydrates (GFX)

1986

Evolving Otsuka’s clinical nutrition products

– Development of TPN solutions and enteral nutrition products –

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1988

1988

AMIPAREN Injection launched—a 10% amino acid solution

1994

1994

AMINOTRIPA No. 1/No. 2 Injection launched—an amino acid, carbohydrate, and electrolyte solution for TPN

1996

1996

AMINOFLUID Injection launched—an amino acid, carbohydrate, and electrolyte solution

1999

1999

RACOL Liquid for Enteral Use launched—a low residual diet preparation

2001

2001

OS-1 launched—Japan’s first oral rehydration ion beverage based on the approach to oral rehydration therapy proposed by the WHO

2001

Product development in a variety of fields

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2004

2004

NEOPAREN No. 1/No. 2 Injection launched—a formulation containing glucose, electrolytes, amino acids, and multiple vitamins for TPN

2006

2006

BFLUID Injection launched—a carbohydrate, electrolyte, and amino acid solution with vitamin B₁

NORMAL SALINE SYRINGE OTSUKA launched—an anticoagulant prefilled syringe product

2009

2009

ELNEOPA No. 1/No. 2 Injection launched—a TPN formulation containing glucose, electrolytes, amino acids, multiple vitamins, and trace elements

2015

2015

Olanedine Antiseptic Solution 1.5% and Olanedine Solution 1.5% Antiseptic Applicator launched—an external-use antiseptic

2019

2019

ENORAS Liquid for Enteral Use (for feeding tube and oral administration) launched

2020

2020

ENEFLUID Injection launched―an amino acid, carbohydrate, electrolyte, fat, and water-soluble vitamin injection

From chemical raw material manufacturer to pharmaceutical manufacturer

The Otsuka Group began with the establishment of Otsuka Seiyaku Kogyo-bu (Otsuka Pharmaceutical) in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, in 1921 by the founder Busaburo Otsuka (1891-1970). At that time, it was a chemical raw material manufacturer that produced magnesium carbonate (listed in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia) from salt field residues.

The Otsuka Memorial House (first office and laboratory)

In 1946, we started manufacturing intravenous infusion solutions, entered the pharmaceutical field, and in 1951, we launched IV solutions in glass vials. Subsequently, as the demand for IV solutions expanded, we developed a variety of IV solutions, particularly in 1968, we launched Japan’s first plastic container for IV solutions and established a position in the IV industry.

1946

Same type of infusion solution as that at the start of IV solution business (The photo is a product from 1948-1950s.)

1951

Glass vial for IV solutions

1968

Japan’s first plastic bottle for IV solutions

In addition to the clinical nutrition field, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory has been developing a variety of products. In 1953, Oronine Ointment was launched as the first over-the-counter drug by the Otsuka Group.

Oronine history (Link to Oronine brand site)

1953

Oronine Ointment

Enamel signboard featuring Chieko Naniwa

Note: Product photos are generally those at the time of launch. Ethical drugs and other products are listed under the brand name, not under the product name.