Key Facilities
Factories and Laboratories
The Institute of Bio-Active Science
Established in 1983 in Yashiro-cho (now Kato City), Hyogo, Japan, the Institute of Bio-Active Science conducts basic research for the development of new drugs, with the main therapeutic areas being orthopedic surgery, and pain relief and allergies. Focusing on research into the regulation of biological functions and bodily defenses, its approach of attaching primary importance to the body is expected to open new fields in medical science. Located within the premises of the institute, Konishi Commemorative Hall serves as a reception house for guests from around the world and also functions as a place for researchers to freely engage in discussions and networking.
Formulation Research Laboratories
Originally established as Technology Research Laboratories in 1996, Formulation Research Laboratories made a fresh start in 2008 under the current name to focus on research into the formulation of ethical drugs. It is of vital importance that the efficacy, safety, and quality of bulk drugs established in the research and development stage be maintained in the pharmaceutical formulations. To achieve consistent quality in the formulation of bioactive substances, in particular, is extremely difficult. To address this challenge, we maintain an independent department, where constant efforts are made to develop drug formulation technologies. We are also investigating ways to use formulation technologies to improve drug efficacy and safety by improving fast-acting properties, ensuring sustained rates of release, and delivering drugs to target organs with greater accuracy. Without such advanced formulation technologies, no drug candidate compound can be transformed into a pharmaceutical product that bests matches market needs. Formulation Research Laboratories is integral to the development of innovative formulation technologies that allow us to continue providing high-value-added pharmaceutical products.
Ono Greenery Factory
Built in 1986 on a lush hilly area in Ono City, Hyogo, Japan, the Ono Greenery Factory manufactures our mainstay, Neurotropin®, and other pharmaceutical products, under the most advanced production and quality controls. The 100,000 m2 site is lush with greenery, hence its name "ryokuen" which means green garden in Japanese.
In compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), an international standard for the manufacturing and quality control of pharmaceutical products, this factory conducts integrated manufacturing, from active pharmaceutical ingredients to solid preparations for oral administration or sterile injectables. Its impeccable manufacturing system has generated high acclaim from regulatory authorities around the world. In particular, to ensure the efficacy and safety of Neurotropin®, which is made from biomaterials, manufacturing and quality controls are conducted at levels far higher than those of ordinary drugs.
The Neurotropin® Redevelopment Department inside the factory conducts tests and joint research with researchers from both within and outside the company, to further improve the quality of Neurotropin® and enhance its potential. In order to respond to the frequent revisions of international regulations and advances in drug manufacturing technologies, it proactively gathers information on the manufacturing and quality control of drugs from around the world to constantly improve the quality and safety of its products. More recently, it has been taking a "think-out-of-the-box" approach to changing the way it works, by for example automating equipment for production and quality tests.
Under the banner of a "pharmaceutical manufacturing factory that is friendly to humans and the environment," it achieves harmony between production and environmental protection, while safeguarding employees' health. In this regard, constant efforts are being made to conserve the surrounding environment such as installing high-performance wastewater treatment and incineration systems.