Rohto Pharmaceutical

Technology

Ophthalmology

Since launching the first eye drop, “Rohto Eye Drops” in 1909, Rohto has further developed its eye treatment speciality. Initially, for eye diseases no longer prevalent, the product offer has evolved overtime and now Rohto is a world leading brand in eye care ^(*1) .
In recent years, Rohto’s eye care business is opening new doors to new category and new customers as following.

^(*1) Source: Euromonitor International Limited; top3 brand per Consumer Health 2024ed, retail value sales, 2023 data

Medical ophthalmology

Bringing to the fore their technical capabilities in OTC (Over-The-Counter) Rohto now enters a research phase in medical ophthalmology, with for example CMV^(*2) corneal endotheliitis, dry eye, and myopia progression inhibitors, in collaboration with partner organizations.

^(*2) Cytomegalovirus

Expansion to EMEA ^(*3) region

With the CE mark acquisition in May 2021 for the dry eye eye drop “ROHTO DRY AID,” Rohto is facilitating its expansion into the UK, Poland, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and others. As party of its mission to substantiate effectiveness and safety, Rohto collaborates with doctors, pharmacists, and research institutions from around the world.

^(*3) Europe, Middle East and Africa

Dermatology

Since the launch of Mentholatum ointment in 1975, Rohto has established a presence in the topical pharmaceuticals market, offering essential skin care products that address identified customer skin concerns. Rohto’s R&D works to regenerate the skin’s innate power, resulting in the creation of both pharmaceuticals and cosmetics for those seeking healthy, beautiful, youthful looking skin.

In 1995, Rohto established a dermatology laboratory and began evidence-based skin research, leveraging its knowledge in ophthalmic R&D.
Since then, Rohto co-creates with partners both in Japan and abroad, to explore cutting-edge science at its core research facility, Research Village Kyoto.

Three Strategic Ingredients

Vitamin C

l-Ascorbic acid, an essential ingredient for collagen production, provides numerous benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties. Its effectiveness increases with concentration, and Rohto successfully developed a formula containing 25% pure vitamin C, balancing potency and product stability.

Hyaluronic Acid

While hyaluronic acid is known to have a high moisturizing properties, recent research has identified the presence of different molecular sizes, each contributing to skin homeostasis. Rohto’s proprietary studies revealed that ultra-low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can block the inflammation signals caused by UV-damaged skin, such as redness, by targeting calprotectin, a DAMP secreted by damaged epidermal cells.

Ceramide

Rohto has identified that its proprietary ceramide complex has the potential to suppress inflammation caused by senescent cells. It also improves skin elasticity, reduces redness, and targets pigmentation and pore concerns, alleviating signs of ageing. Rohto continues to advance research into ceramide’s multi-functionality, aiming to address skin issues at their origin. .

Other research fields

Stem cell conditioned medium

Skin brightening

inspired by aesthetic medicine technique

Plant based exosomes

Regenerative Medicine

Rohto officially entered regenerative medicine in 2013. Its Cell Processing Center (CPC) in Kyoto received accreditation from the Japanese government in 2016.
From then on, clinical trials, including for liver cirrhosis have advanced.
Rohto has set its core value to “deliver safe and reliable regenerative medicine”, expanding the business to cell processing,
cell culture technology, and knowledge deployment in collaboration with a wide variety of domestic and international partners.

Cell Processing

Rohto operates 4 cell processing centers in Japan: Cell Factory Kyoto, Cellular Laboratory Tokyo (Designated Cell Processing Facility), Interstem Inc., and Rohto Cell Factory Tokyo.
These facilities support both in-house pipeline development and contract development and manufacturing (CMO/CDMO).
Regarding the pipeline, Rohto currently has eight pipelines in progress as shown in the figure below (as of July 2024).
By end 2024, Rohto possesses 8 active pipelines in progress. In its CDMO business, Rohto manufactures cell-based products for medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies, leveraging advanced technology to ensure high-quality production and a stable supply chain.

Cell Culture Technology

Building on extensive experience in developing MSC cellular therapeutic products, a brand named R:stem was created. This series of products is designed for use at every step from tissue rinsing to MSC cell storage.
R:stem is a serum-free medium formulated with materials of non-animal origin, also referred to as animal original–free (AOF) products.
In 2020, Rohto introdiced an AOF MSC culture medium to expand MSC, known as “R:stem medium for hMSC high growth”, specifically designed to expand MSCs.