What Kyorin Pharmaceutical does

Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (杏林製薬株式会社) is a Tokyo-headquartered Japanese specialty pharmaceutical company operating across prescription drugs, generics, and consumer healthcare. Founded in 1923 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker 4569), the company assumed its current corporate form in April 2023 when Kyorin Pharmaceutical Holdings merged with its operating subsidiary. Kyorin manufactures and sells prescription pharmaceuticals across therapeutic franchises including respiratory medicine/ENT (Kipress, Mucodain), urology (Uritos, Beovers), inflammatory bowel disease (Pentasa), and infectious disease (Sachuro, GeneSoC flu detection kits), alongside generic pharmaceuticals through subsidiary Kyorin RemediO and consumer healthcare products through the Milton infant-care brand.

The company operates a specialized direct sales force organized by therapeutic franchise to engage Japanese physicians, pharmacists, and hospitals, with products dispensed via the National Health Insurance reimbursement system. International expansion is pursued through out-licensing agreements with partners such as Eisai (China, ASEAN, India, Sri Lanka), SPIMACO (Saudi Arabia and 12 MENA countries), and local distributors (Thailand). Kyorin maintains an internal drug discovery and development pipeline (KRP series) with late-stage assets in interstitial lung disease, overactive bladder, and infectious disease, and is pioneering prescription digital therapeutics (KRP-DC125 for chronic cough, KRP-DT123 for tinnitus). Manufacturing occurs at the Noshiro plant (Akita) and through Kyorin RemediO's Nanto City (Toyama) facility.

Revenue derives primarily from NHI-priced prescription drug sales in Japan, supplemented by international licensing royalties, generic drug sales, and OTC consumer products. R&D activity is active, with multiple 2025–2026 partnerships spanning SLE co-development (Kissei), neuropathic pain in-licensing (BIODOL), MMP-2/9 inhibitors (Ube Industries/Accure), and post-viral hyposmia (Cyrano Therapeutics). The company operates within the broader antibacterial and specialty pharmaceutical markets, addressing therapeutic areas with high disease burden and limited effective treatments.

Name

Kyorin Pharmaceutical

Legal name

Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (杏林製薬株式会社)

Website

https://kyorin-pharm.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Kyorin Pharmaceutical is a Tokyo-headquartered Japanese specialty pharma company that develops, manufactures, and sells prescription drugs in respiratory, urology, and gastroenterology, plus generics and the Milton infant-care brand, primarily serving Japanese physicians and patients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Prescription Pharmaceuticals

NAICS

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122)

akta.pro primary industry

Respiratory & Allergy Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Nephrology & Urology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAH), Immunology & Autoimmune Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAB), Pulmonology & Allergy Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAF)

Keywords

• Prescription pharmaceuticals
• Respiratory therapeutics
• Urology treatments
• Generic medicines
• Digital therapeutics

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Prescription (Ethical) Pharmaceuticals: Kyorin's core revenue is derived from sales of prescription pharmaceutical products across therapeutic areas including respiratory (Kipress, Mucodain), urology (Uritos, Beovers), inflammatory bowel disease (Pentasa), and infectious disease (Sachuro). Products are sold in Japan through medical representatives to healthcare professionals and distributed via pharmacies on prescription.
2. Generic Pharmaceuticals (Kyorin RemediO): Through subsidiary Kyorin RemediO Co., Ltd., the company manufactures and sells generic (off-patent) pharmaceutical products, contributing to revenue through volume-based sales in the Japanese generics market.
3. Healthcare Consumer Products: Kyorin sells OTC healthcare products including the Milton brand (infant care, sterilizing tablets) through retail channels such as pharmacies and baby goods stores. Milton CP won the 'Tamahiyo Baby Goods Award' for 17 consecutive years as of 2026, indicating strong consumer brand recognition.
4. International Licensing and Distribution: Kyorin generates revenue through out-licensing agreements with international partners for proprietary compounds (e.g., Lasvic in Middle East, Beovers in Thailand, Uritos in China/ASEAN/India/Sri Lanka). These agreements grant exclusive development and commercialization rights in exchange for upfront, milestone, and royalty payments.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kyorin Pharmaceutical develops, manufactures, and sells prescription pharmaceutical products across respiratory/ENT (Kipress for asthma/allergic rhinitis, Mucodain for COPD), urology (Uritos, Beova/vibegron for overactive bladder), inflammatory bowel disease (Pentasa), and infectious disease (Sachuro for tuberculosis, Lasvic) therapeutic areas in Japan and selected international markets. The company also manufactures generic drugs via subsidiary Kyorin RemediO, sells consumer healthcare products including the Milton infant-care brand, and is developing prescription digital therapeutics (KRP-DC125, KRP-DT123).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Milton: Baby care brand offering infant bottle and nipple sanitizing products, CP (Child-Proof) tablets for child safety
• GeneSoC
• Rubysta
• KRP Digital

Products and services

• Kipress (Kitapress) Tablets 5mg / 10mg Prescription montelukast sodium tablet indicated for asthma and allergic rhinitis in adult patients, prescribed by respiratory physicians and allergists.
• Mucodain / Mucodayne DS 50% (L-carbocisteine) Prescription L-carbocisteine airway mucus-adjusting and mucosal-normalizing agent used for COPD and related respiratory conditions, prescribed by pulmonologists.
• Uritos Tablets 0.1mg (imidafenacin) Prescription imidafenacin tablet indicated for overactive bladder, prescribed by urologists; out-licensed internationally to Eisai (China, ASEAN, India, Sri Lanka) and SPIMACO (13 MENA countries).
• Beova Tablets (vibegron, KRP-114VP) Prescription vibegron tablet indicated for overactive bladder, prescribed by urologists; distributed in Thailand by a local partner and in development/launch for Japan and other Asian markets.
• Pentasa Tablets 250mg / 500mg (mesalazine) Prescription mesalazine tablet indicated for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, prescribed by gastroenterologists, with adult and pediatric formulations.
• Sachuro Tablets (tuberculosis chemotherapy agent) Prescription tuberculosis chemotherapy agent distributed in Japan by Kyorin under an exclusive sales agreement.
• Lasvic Tablets (new quinolone oral antibacterial) Prescription new quinolone oral antibacterial distributed across 9 Middle Eastern countries under an exclusive sales agreement.
• Flutiform (in Japan) In-licensed asthma combination inhaler (ICS/LABA) developed internationally by SkyePharma and commercialized by Kyorin for the Japanese market.
• Neramexane (Japan rights) In-licensed tinnitus treatment drug from Merz Pharmaceuticals, with Kyorin holding development and commercialization rights for Japan.
• CYR-064 (intranasal theophylline) — Japan option In-licensed intranasal theophylline formulation in development for persistent post-viral smell loss (hyposmia); under Kyorin option for Japan.
• Milton CP — infant bottle sterilizing tablets OTC sterilizing tablets with child-proof packaging for sanitizing infant feeding bottles, nipples and accessories, sold via retail pharmacies and baby-goods stores in Japan.
• GeneSoC FluA/B Detection Kit Molecular nucleic-acid detection kit for influenza A and B viruses, manufactured and marketed in Japan by Kyorin via its GeneSoC brand.
• KRP-DC125 prescription digital therapeutic app — chronic cough Prescription digital therapeutic mobile app under development by Kyorin for the treatment of chronic cough, representing a software-based therapeutic modality.
• KRP-DT123 prescription digital therapeutic app — tinnitus Prescription digital therapeutic mobile app under development by Kyorin for the treatment of tinnitus.
• Kyorin RemediO generic pharmaceuticals Off-patent generic pharmaceutical products manufactured and sold in Japan by Kyorin's wholly owned subsidiary Kyorin RemediO Co., Ltd.

Quantifiable outcome

• Kyorin's Mucodain PEACE Study paper was selected as 'Paper of the year 2008' by The Lancet, recognizing clinical impact of the drug in COPD exacerbation reduction.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BIODOLcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026Kyorin Pharmaceutical entered a licensing agreement with BIODOL for a neuropathic pain treatment drug candidate compound BDT272. Kyorin obtained rights to develop and commercialize the compound.
• Tuberculosis Treatment Distribution PartnerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 March 2026Kyorin entered an exclusive sales agreement in Japan for a tuberculosis chemotherapy agent 'Sachuro Tablets' (サチュロ錠). The product addresses tuberculosis treatment needs in Japan.
• Ube Industries (宇部興産)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2026Kyorin licensed new oligopeptide derivatives that act as MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitors from Ube Industries (reported by Accure Therapeutics). The compounds are novel drug candidates that Kyorin is advancing through further development.
• Middle East Distribution PartnerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 5 January 2026Kyorin entered an exclusive sales agreement for new quinolone oral antibacterial 'Lasvic Tablets' (ラスリック錠) across 9 Middle Eastern countries, expanding the product's geographic footprint in the MENA region.
• Kissei Pharmaceutical (杏林製薬、キッセイ薬品)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Kyorin entered into a joint development and licensing agreement with Kissei Pharmaceutical for a novel treatment drug candidate for SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) and other autoimmune conditions in Japan. The partnership combines both companies' development capabilities for this therapeutic area.
• Ubie (ユビー)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Kyorin Pharmaceutical, Kissei Pharmaceutical, and Ubie launched a collaborative project to promote early awareness and medical consultation for overactive bladder. Ubie contributes its AI-powered symptom checker and medical consultation platform to help patients identify symptoms and seek appropriate care.
• Thai Distribution Partner (Thailand)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 July 2025Kyorin launched overactive bladder treatment 'Beovers Tablets' (ベオーバ錠) in Thailand through a local distribution partner, expanding access to the ASEAN market.
• Cyrano TherapeuticscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 17 February 2024Kyorin Pharmaceutical was granted an option to license CYR-064 (an intranasal theophylline formulation) in Japan from US-based Cyrano Therapeutics. CYR-064 is being developed for persistent post-viral smell loss (hyposmia) and demonstrated positive Phase 2 results. If approved, it would be a first approved therapy for this condition in Japan.
• Merz PharmaceuticalsminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 5 November 2009Kyorin entered a Japanese domestic licensing agreement with Merz Pharmaceuticals (Germany) for tinnitus treatment drug 'Neramexane', which Merz was developing for the US and European markets. Kyorin obtained rights to develop and commercialize the product in Japan.
• Eisai (エーザイ)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 September 2009Kyorin granted Eisai exclusive development and commercialization rights for overactive bladder drug 'Uritos Tablets' (一般名:イミダフェナシン) in China, ASEAN countries, India, and Sri Lanka.
• Senju Pharmaceutical (千孫製薬)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 July 2009Kyorin granted Senju Pharmaceutical exclusive sales rights for gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution in China, transferring commercialization rights for the broad-spectrum antibiotic eye drop to Senju.
• SPIMACO (Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 February 2009Kyorin granted SPIMACO exclusive sales rights for overactive bladder drug 'Uritos Tablets' in Saudi Arabia and 12 other Middle Eastern and North African countries, representing 13 countries total.
• SkyePharma PLCminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 22 April 2008Kyorin entered a Japanese domestic licensing agreement with SkyePharma (UK) for asthma treatment drug 'Flutiform', an inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist combination product that SkyePharma was developing internationally.
• Merck & Co. (MSD)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 January 2008Kyorin renewed a joint research agreement with Merck & Co. in the infectious disease field. The original collaboration began in 1998 and was renewed for continued joint research on infectious disease drug candidates.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Kissei Pharmaceutical: Japanese specialty pharmaceutical company and Kyorin's co-development partner for an SLE candidate. Similar size, franchise-focused therapeutic strategy, and Japan-centric sales model with selective licensing abroad.
• Astellas Pharma: Japanese global pharmaceutical company with overlapping franchises in urology (Vesicare/Myrbetriq competitor to Uritos/Beova) and respiratory. Comparable mid-cap Japanese pharma with franchise-focused strategy and licensing-driven international model.
• Daiichi Sankyo: Major Japanese pharmaceutical company with a similar hybrid prescription/OTC portfolio structure, domestic franchise sales model, and active licensing activity. Comparable scale and therapeutic breadth, with significant overlap in respiratory and specialty care.
• Shionogi & Co. Japanese pharmaceutical company with comparable size and focus on specialty therapeutics including infectious disease and respiratory. Both deploy franchise-based sales models and pursue licensing for international expansion.
• Eisai Co. Japanese pharmaceutical company and Kyorin's exclusive licensee for Uritos in China, ASEAN, India, and Sri Lanka. Comparable scale, Japan-anchored operations, franchise sales approach, and broad licensing/partnering footprint.
• Sumitomo Pharma: Mid-cap Japanese pharmaceutical company with a domestic franchise sales model and active licensing in respiratory, oncology, and specialty care. Comparable therapeutic focus and pipeline approach.
• Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings: Japanese pharmaceutical holding company with a strong OTC/consumer healthcare business comparable to Kyorin's Milton franchise, plus prescription pharmaceutical operations. Similar Japan-anchored business model with consumer and ethical pharmaceutical segments.
• Mochida Pharmaceutical: Smaller Japanese specialty pharmaceutical company with a similar franchise-focused approach in selected therapeutic areas and direct domestic sales coverage. Comparable Japan-centric specialty pharma business model.
• Senju Pharmaceutical: Japanese specialty pharmaceutical company focused on ophthalmology and licensing partnerships; Kyorin has a licensing relationship with Senju for gatifloxacin in China. Comparable mid-cap Japanese specialty pharma with licensing-driven international strategy.

Emerging players

• Sawai Group Holdings: Japanese specialty pharmaceutical company with the largest domestic generic portfolio, overlapping with Kyorin RemediO. Less direct overlap in innovative branded respiratory/urology, but operates in adjacent prescription and generics space in Japan.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/miltonkyorin
• Instagraminstagram.com/milton_official.jp
• TikToktiktok.com/@milton_official.jp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kyorin-pharmaceutical-co-ltd-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kyorin Pharmaceutical