The name "Otsuka" translates to "major milestone". Indeed, Otsuka's people - healthcare professionals, scientists, researchers, sales and marketing professionals, and others - have achieved many major milestones while maintaining a commitment to address unmet medical needs, improve health and enhance the quality of human life worldwide.

Otsuka's U.S. roots began in 1985, with the Maryland Research Laboratories (MRL) (now OMML). MRL became the first research facility in the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center in Montgomery County, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., now the third largest center of life sciences and research organizations in the U.S.

By 1987, the organization had grown in size and scope, necessitating a relocation of clinical and administrative staff and the establishment of the Maryland Office of Clinical Research. In 1989, the company became incorporated as Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. to focus on commercialization of products in the U.S., and in 1999 launched its first Otsuka-developed product, PLETAL^® (cilostazol) Tablets.¹

In January 2001, the research and clinical development functions, which constituted a significant part of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., became Otsuka Maryland Research Institute (OMRI), a company focused on the research and clinical development of new healthcare products, as well as basic research. OMRI was part of a larger global clinical development effort by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., which established Centers of Excellence to focus on specific areas of medicine.

In 2003, MRL became Otsuka Maryland Medicinal Laboratories, LLC and in 2007 became Otsuka Maryland Medicinal Laboratories, Inc. In January 2007, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization (OPDC) was formed by merging two Otsuka organizations - Otsuka Maryland Research Institute, Inc., (OMRI) and Otsuka's Global Development & Commercialization Division. OPDC is a globally focused organization that plays a leadership role in the research and development of Otsuka's ethical, innovative healthcare products and ensures full integration of development and commercialization activities. OPDC strategically develops drug candidates from initial discovery of a compound through life cycle management, preparing a plan that will lead to ultimate global registration, marketing, and the full life cycle of the product. It conducts high-quality clinical studies in diversified therapeutic areas and is the cornerstone of Otsuka's global drug development and strategic commercial planning efforts.

OPDC is dedicated to improving patients' health by developing novel healthcare products that address unmet medical needs. It continuously strives to offer new treatment options to patients worldwide through collaborative activities between its global and local pharmaceutical businesses. Its experienced physicians, scientists, researchers, marketing and other business professionals have a commitment to the growth of the Otsuka organization, by continually building on the experience, wisdom and knowledge gained from past and present activities that cover the full continuum of a product's development and ongoing existence.