Otsuka in Europe

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd. (OPEL) is the European operation of global healthcare company Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which was founded in Japan in 1921. In Europe, we may be geographically distant from our roots, but we still hold true to the Japanese principles of ‘Ryukan-godo’, ‘Jissho’ and ‘Sozosei’. This means that every day we strive to channel our passion and commitment into improving the health of our patients.

Our European story

Otsuka expanded its pharmaceutical business into Europe in 1974 with the opening of a representative European office in Italy and subsequently invested in Laboratorios Miquel S.A. of Spain. Laboratorios Miquel S.A. became our first operating company in Europe. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd. (OPEL) was established in the U.K. in 1997 as Otsuka's European regional office, and across Europe we now employ around 500 people. We focus on some of Europe’s most serious health challenges in neuroscience, nephrology and immunology, haemato-oncology and infectious diseases. We are also exploring how digital health technology may provide holistic health solutions for patients, carers and healthcare professionals. Core functions of sales and marketing, medical and market access are present in our affiliate offices across Europe and are supported by OPEL. For other European countries, Otsuka products are managed through a number of partnerships and distributors, ensuring European-wide coverage. In addition, Otsuka Pharma GmbH, based in Frankfurt, is home to global functions including regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, quality management and clinical development. In 2023, the regional OPEL office moved to vibrant new premises in central Windsor, just outside London. Our new office has been designed to maximise the use of space, encourage the cross-fertilisation of ideas and help employees live and harness our values of integrity, compassion, collaboration, excellence and creativity.