Bushu Pharma

What Bushu Pharma does

Bushu Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (武州製薬株式会社) is a Japan-headquartered pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) founded in 1998. The company operates five manufacturing facilities across Japan — Kawagoe, Misato, Aizu, Kazo, and Soka — producing oral solid dose formulations, sterile injectables, and packaging services for global pharmaceutical clients. Operations are GMP-certified across Japan, the United States, Europe, and 56 export markets, with 2024 reported production volume of 5.88 billion tablets and 25.19 million injectable bottles. The company employs between 1,001 and 5,000 staff, anchored by approximately 350 quality assurance and analytical personnel, and its customer base is concentrated among originator pharmaceutical companies seeking Japan/Asia market entry or Japan-based contract supply.

Revenue is generated on a project- and contract-based B2B manufacturing model, anchored on multi-year supply agreements with originator pharmaceutical companies. Disclosed customer relationships include Amgen (via a 2021 "Gateway to Asia" strategic partnership positioning Bushu as the manufacturer's entry point into Asian markets), Eisai (legacy multi-decade relationship), and Suzuken Group / EPS Holdings (drug-loss product partnership announced 2024). Bushu's commercial positioning combines technical manufacturing capability (multi-site sterile injectable, oral solid dose, cold-chain, and packaging capacity) with multi-jurisdictional regulatory expertise, allowing it to act as a Japan-anchored supply partner for foreign pharma clients while also serving domestic Japanese drug developers and post-patent loss product manufacturers.

The company was acquired by KKR in 2024, taking it private and becoming a portfolio company within KKR's healthcare platform. Under KKR ownership, strategic direction signals continued capital deployment toward capacity expansion (the recent Soka packaging center and Aizu injectable factory), vertical extension into drug-loss products, and digital transformation (METI DX certification awarded 2025). The combination of multi-jurisdictional GMP positioning, a foreign-pharma Gateway to Asia go-to-market model, Japanese manufacturing cost structure, and KKR capital creates a distinct positioning versus pure-play Western CDMOs (e.g., Lonza, Catalent) and versus in-house manufacturing retained by Japanese pharma majors.

Name

Bushu Pharma

Legal name

Bushu Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Website

https://bushu-pharma.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Bushu Pharma is a Japan-based pharmaceutical CDMO with five manufacturing sites exporting to 56 countries. It produces tablets, injectables, and packaging for originator pharma clients, including Amgen and Eisai, serving as a gateway to Asian markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing (CDMO)

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (424210)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122)

akta.pro primary industry

Drug Substance–Drug Product Integrated CDMO (HLAGABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Small-Molecule Drug Product (Solid/Oral/Parenteral) CDMO (HLAGABAB), Specialty Pharma & Biologics Distribution (GDP-compliant) (HLAGAMAD), Clinical Trial Material (CTM) Manufacturing & Supply CDMO (HLAGABAK)

Keywords

• Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing
• CDMO services
• Cold chain logistics
• Injectable manufacturing
• Analytical testing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Misato

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Contract Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Bushu Pharma generates revenue through contract manufacturing of pharmaceutical products and clinical trial materials. Services include solid dosage formulation, injectable manufacturing, packaging, and supply chain management. Revenue is project-based with pricing determined by manufacturing complexity, volume, and regulatory requirements.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bushu Pharma is a Japanese Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) providing end-to-end pharmaceutical contract manufacturing services, including solid dosage formulations (tablets, capsules, granules), injectable preparations (vials, pre-filled syringes, lyophilized products), high-potency product formulation, clinical trial supplies, packaging, quality control and analytical testing, and temperature-controlled cold chain logistics. The company serves global pharmaceutical companies through five Japanese manufacturing facilities (Kawagoe, Misato, Aizu, Kazo, Soka) plus the Misato Cold Chain Center, and operates the proprietary GATEWAY to ASIA service for international pharma companies entering Japan and other Asian markets.

Product overview

Bushu Pharma is a Japanese CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) providing comprehensive pharmaceutical contract manufacturing services. The company operates five manufacturing facilities and offers an integrated portfolio comprising Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (solid dosage and injectables), Analysis & Technical Transfer (quality control and testing), and Supply Chain Management including the proprietary GATEWAY to ASIA® service for Asian market entry. The portfolio extends to Cold Chain Logistics for temperature-sensitive biopharmaceuticals, Clinical Trial Supplies, High Potency Product Formulation, Packaging Services, Medical Device Center capabilities, and Animal Healthcare Products. The company serves the global pharmaceutical market with GMP certifications across 56 countries, positioning itself as a comprehensive one-stop CDMO from Japan for both domestic and international pharmaceutical companies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GATEWAY to ASIA®: A supply chain service supporting international pharmaceutical companies in launching products in Japan and across Asia through import, quality inspection, labeling, packaging and distribution.

Products and services

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Contract manufacturing services for solid dosage formulations (granules, tablets, capsules) and injectable preparations including vials, lyophilized vials, and pre-filled syringes. Includes clinical trial supplies and commercial production for global pharmaceutical companies. Operations are GMP-certified across 56 countries.
• Analysis & Technical Transfer Quality control and analytical testing services including raw material testing, process quality analysis, and release testing. Supports both low-molecular and high-molecular (biopharmaceutical) drug testing with capabilities for cell-based assays and high potency substance testing.
• Supply Chain Management End-to-end supply chain services including demand planning, vendor management, packaging and artwork management, and distribution with GMP-certified logistics operations across five factories and GDP compliance.
• GATEWAY to ASIA Asia hub service enabling international pharmaceutical companies to import bulk products into Japan for quality inspection, labeling, packaging, and distribution throughout Japan and Asia. Supports market entry into the world's third-largest pharmaceutical market.
• Cold Chain Logistics Temperature-controlled storage and logistics services for biopharmaceuticals requiring 2-8°C conditions, including cold warehouse management, packaging exposure time management, and cold logistic management. Handles storage at ultra-low temperatures including -20°C, -40°C, and -80°C.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5.88 billion tablets manufactured and 5.74 billion tablets packaged in 2024
• +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

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Suzuken GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 May 2024Partnership agreement signed with Suzuken Group and EPS Holdings to support introduction of unapproved drugs (Drug Loss Products) into Japanese market. Suzuken provides pharmaceutical distribution network within Japan.
• EPS HoldingscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2024Three-way partnership with Suzuken Group to support drug loss product introduction into Japanese market, combining Suzuken's distribution, EPS Holdings' expertise, and Bushu's manufacturing capabilities.
• AmgenflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 November 2021Expanded partnership for supply chain management across Japan and Asia-Pacific region. First shipment made December 2021. Full-scale shipments scheduled through Misato Cold Chain Center from 2022. Major strategic collaboration for Gateway to Asia service.
• Chuo UnyucoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 October 2021Logistics partnership with Chuo Unyu (wholly owned subsidiary of Suzuken) for pharmaceutical distribution and storage. Located within Kazo Pharmaceutical Joint Distribution Center. Provides advanced logistics technology and expertise for temperature-controlled storage and distribution.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CMIC Group: CMIC Group is Japan's largest CRO/CDMO offering drug development, manufacturing, and sales support. Directly comparable to Bushu as a Japanese-headquartered integrated CDMO serving global pharma clients with similar solid dose, injectable, and clinical trial capabilities.
• Lonza: Lonza is a Switzerland-headquartered global CDMO leader in biologics, small molecules, and cell/gene therapies with extensive Asia operations. Comparable to Bushu as a premium-tier CDMO serving top multinational pharma clients.
• Recipharm: Recipharm is a European-headquartered CDMO offering contract manufacturing for solid dose, sterile injectables, and biologics. Comparable to Bushu in integrated small-molecule and injectable CDMO services to pharma clients globally.
• AGC Biologics: AGC Biologics (formerly Asahi Glass CDMO division) is a Japan-rooted global biologics CDMO with facilities in Japan, US, and Europe. Comparable to Bushu's biologics cold chain and high-potency offerings, with stronger global scale.
• Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services: Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma is a Japan-headquartered CDMO specializing in small molecule API manufacturing and injectable fill-finish. Comparable to Bushu in scope (small molecules, injectables, biologics) and in serving global pharma clients from Japan.
• Catalent: Catalent is a global CDMO with deep capabilities in softgel, oral solid dose, biologics, and injectables — including a major presence in Asia. Directly competes with Bushu for multinational pharma contract manufacturing contracts, particularly in solid dose and injectables.
• Samsung Biologics: Samsung Biologics is a Korea-headquartered biologics CDMO with massive single-site capacity. Competes with Bushu's biologics cold chain offering for global pharma contracts, particularly in Asia.
• WuXi STA: WuXi STA is a China-headquartered global CDMO offering small-molecule API, drug product, and biologics services. Competes with Bushu for Asia-based contract manufacturing business, particularly for multinational clients seeking China+1 sourcing strategies.

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Patheon/CDMO): Thermo Fisher's Patheon pharmaceutical services division is one of the largest global CDMOs with extensive small molecule and biologics capabilities. Competes with Bushu for multinational pharma contracts as a broad incumbent across the entire CDMO value chain.

Regional players

• Nipro Pharma: Nipro Pharma is a Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturer and CDMO offering contract manufacturing for injectables, solid dose, and packaging. Comparable as a Japan-based CDMO competing for similar domestic and regional contracts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@PharmaBushu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bushu-pharmaceuticals-ltd

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries6 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 Bushu Pharma