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Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. celebrates its 125th anniversary, as of February 2023.
Anmin Yamada founded his Shintendo Yamada Anmin Pharmacy on February 22nd 1899, selling a specificgastrointestinal medicine. This was the genesis of Rohto Pharmaceutical.
From its initial focus on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, eye drops, and dermatological drugs, in 2000, Rohto expanded into skincare. Today they represent the business’s three key pillars and continue to launch at pace new skincare brands for a variety of concerns.
In line with the Group’s 2030 Vision, the company aims to focus its future growth on the specific areas of regenerative medicine, functional food and medical ophthalmology.
Overseas, Rohto has more than 50 subsidiaries and sells its products in over 115 countries.
Anmin Yamada founded his Shintendo Yamada Anmin Pharmacy on February 22nd 1899, selling a specific gastrointestinal medicine. This was the genesis of Rohto Pharmaceutical.
From its initial focus on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, eye drops, and dermatological drugs, in 2000, Rohto expanded into skincare. Today they represent the business’s three key pillars and continue to launch at pace new skincare brands for a variety of concerns.
In line with the Group’s 2030 Vision, the company aims to focus its future growth on the specific areas of regenerative medicine, functional food and medical ophthalmology.
Overseas, Rohto has more than 50 subsidiaries and sells its products in over 115 countries.
Founding
- 1899
Founding of the Shintendo Yamada Anmin Pharmacy
Launch of “Ikatsu” gastrointestinal medicine.
- 1909
Launch of Rohto’s first eye drops product
The name inspired by Dr. Rothmund a leading authority in ophthalmology.
- 1975
Exploration of the skin care market
Acquisition of the Mentholatum trademark rights from The Mentholatum Company, Inc. (USA).
Launch of “Mentholatum Ointment” and “Mentholatum Medicated Lip”.
- 1988
Purchase of The Mentholatum Company Inc. (USA) with management rights
Embracing Expansion
- 1991
Overseas expansion begins
Creation of three overseas subsidiariesMentholatum (China) Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (1991)
PT. Rohto Laboratories Indonesia (1996)
Rohto-Mentholatum (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. (1997) - 1993
Launch of Japan’s first OTC pregnancy test kit
- 1993
Entry into the sun care and acne care markets
The Journey into Cosmetics
- 2001
Launch of functional cosmetics
Launch of functional skincare brand “Obagi.”
- 2009
Launch of the high-end skincare brand “Episteme”
Entry into retail sales via department stores.
- 2010
Overseas expansion with the opening of 5 subsidiaries.
Establishment of Tianjin Rohto (China) （2010）
Establishment of Rohto Mentholatum Kenya Sdn. （2013）
Establishment of Rohto Mentholatum Cambodia S.A. （2013）
Establishment of Rohto Mentholatum S.A. (Brazil) （2013）
Dax Cosmetics S.A. (Poland) becomes a subsidiary （2014）
Stepping Up Clinical Expansion
- 2016
Permission granted to manufacture specified cellular processed products
License obtained for the “Manufacturing of Cell Processing Products” by the Rohto Stem Cells Processing Center in the Rohto Research Village Kyoto.
- 2017
First clinical trials for liver cirrhosis
Japan’s first clinical trial study for ADR-001 of allogeneic adipocyte tissue-derived stem cell drug products for cirrhosis of the liver
- 2022
Joint venture in China underscoring regenerative medicine business
- 2022
Entry into the companion animal market
