Teikoku Seiyaku Co

Name

Teikoku Seiyaku Co

Legal name

帝國製薬株式会社

Website

https://teikoku.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1918

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Transdermal Pharmaceuticals

NAICS

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122), Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845)

akta.pro primary industry

Pain Management & Anesthesiology Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pain Relief & Anti-Inflammatory (Analgesics) (HLAIADAA), OTC Pain Relief & Fever (Analgesics, Anti-inflammatory, Topical Pain Relief) (CRADAMAC), Pain Medicine (Interventional/Neuropathic Pain) (HLAKAIAM)

Keywords

• Transdermal drug delivery
• Pharmaceutical patches
• Pain management therapeutics
• Topical analgesics
• Prescription pharmaceuticals

Headquarters

HQ city

Kagawa

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Sales: Teikoku Seiyaku manufactures and sells prescription pharmaceuticals (医療用医薬品) and OTC products (一般用医薬品) through direct sales and distribution partnerships. Revenue comes from product sales to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across Japan and export markets.
2. Licensing and Distribution Partnerships: The company receives upfront payments, regulatory milestones, and sales-based milestones from licensing partners. MEDIPOST partnership includes $8M upfront and $10M short-term regulatory milestone for CARTISTEM commercialization in Japan.
3. Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO): Teikoku Seiyaku engages AGC Biologics for CDMO services for KTP-001, representing strategic engagement for global CDMO network while advancing vision for less invasive treatment options.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Teikoku Seiyaku manufactures and sells prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, with a core specialization in transdermal drug delivery systems including patches, tapes, and poultices. The company develops pain management therapeutics, cancer pain medications, anti-inflammatory analgesics, Alzheimer's treatments, allergy medications, and dermatological products, leveraging its proprietary Hydrohesive® hydrogel patch technology. It also develops pipeline products including stem cell therapy and recombinant protein therapeutics for orthopedic conditions.

Product overview

Teikoku Seiyaku Co is a Japanese pharmaceutical company specializing in transdermal drug delivery systems and pain management therapeutics. The company operates with a core focus on patch (パップ剤) and tape (テープ剤) formulations, leveraging its proprietary Hydrohesive® technology for both prescription and OTC products. The product portfolio spans three main categories: (1) Transdermal Analgesics including lidocaine patches (Lidoderm®), ketoprofen patches/ tapes, and indomethacin formulations under the Intuban®/Catlepp® brands; (2) Cancer Pain Treatments encompassing methadone tablets (Mesapain®), fentanyl buccal tablets (Effentora®), and sustained-release oxycodone/fentanyl patches distributed through Terumo Corporation; (3) Specialty Products including donepezil transdermal patches for dementia (Aridone® - Japan's first), allergy tablets (Rupafin®), and topical antifungals. The company also develops pipeline products for orthopedic conditions including CARTISTEM® (stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis) and KTP-001 (MMP-7 protein for lumbar disc herniation). OTC offerings include the acquired Halix® external analgesic brand and various analgesic patches/gels. The company maintains global operations with subsidiaries in the US (Teikoku Pharma USA) and Europe (Teikoku Pharma UK), and holds manufacturing capabilities compliant with GMP and international regulatory standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aridone® Patch 27.5mg / 55mg Transdermal donepezil patch for Alzheimer's disease treatment, providing weekly dosing for patients with difficulty swallowing. Delivers donepezil through the skin to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and slow progression of dementia symptoms.
• Rupafin® Tablets 10mg Allergy treatment tablet with dual-action mechanism combining anti-PAF (platelet activating factor) and antihistamine effects. Indicated for allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and itchiness associated with skin conditions.
• Lidoderm® (Lidocaine Patch) Lidocaine patch for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). First topical medication for PHN approved by FDA in 1999. Applied to skin to relieve pain from nerve damage after shingles. Marketed in the US by Endo Pharmaceuticals. Approved in 34 countries worldwide.
• Effentora® / I-Effun® Buccal Tablets (Fentanyl Citrate) Fentanyl citrate rapid-release buccal tablets for breakthrough cancer pain. Placed between upper molar gum and cheek for rapid mucosal absorption. Developed with Taiho Pharmaceutical; available in multiple dosage strengths.
• Mesapain® Tablets (Methadone Hydrochloride) Methadone hydrochloride tablets for moderate to severe cancer pain. Used when other strong opioid analgesics are insufficient. Distributed through Terumo Corporation. First approval for methadone as cancer pain treatment in Japan.
• Halix® Brand External Analgesics External analgesic product line including Halix 55EX Cold A, Halix 55EX Warm A, and Halix 55ID Plus. Products contain analgesic ingredients for relief of muscle pain, joint pain, and stiffness.
• Intuban® / Catlepp® / Drenison® Lines Pain relief and dermatology product lines including Intuban (indomethacin) ointments, creams, and suppositories; Catlepp medicated plasters and tapes; and Drenison tape for dermatological conditions.
• Oxycodone SR Capsules / Fentanyl 3-Day Tape Sustained-release oxycodone capsules and 3-day fentanyl tape for persistent cancer pain management. Distributed through Terumo Corporation.
• Nizoral® Cream 2% Topical antifungal cream containing ketoconazole for treatment of fungal infections including tinea, cutaneous candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor, and seborrheic dermatitis. Marketing authorization transferred from Janssen Pharma.
• Loperamide Capsules 1mg / Loperamide Fine Granules 0.1% Anti-diarrheal medication that works by slowing intestinal movement to treat diarrhea symptoms. Marketing authorization transferred from Janssen Pharma.
• Omnid® / Halix® OTC Pain Relief Lines Over-the-counter pain relief patches and gels including ketoprofen-based formulations and indomethacin products. Includes 'Omnid Jet Plaster ID' and various cold/warm therapy patches for minor pain relief.
• Hydrohesive® Patch Technology Platform Proprietary hydrophilic adhesive hydrogel patch technology platform developed by Teikoku Seiyaku for transdermal drug delivery. Used across prescription pharmaceuticals, OTC products, cosmetics, and cooling sheets. The technology combines 'Hydrophilic' and 'Adhesive' to create patches that effectively deliver drugs through the skin while maintaining strong adhesion.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 30% global market share in medical patches
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AGC BiologicscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 May 2026AGC Biologics provides microbial CDMO services for KTP-001, a recombinant human MMP-7 therapy targeting lumbar disc herniation. Initial cell bank creation at Heidelberg facility, transitioning to Chiba site for process development and GMP manufacturing for clinical trials.
• 株式会社キュアディスク (CureDisk)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026Exclusive license for KTP-001 (rhMMP-7) development, manufacturing, and sales rights in Japan for lumbar disc herniation treatment. CureDisk supports development of this novel protein therapeutic based on Prof. Haro's research at Yamanashi University.
• MEDIPOST Co., Ltd. / MediPost株式会社coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 December 2025Exclusive commercialization license for CARTISTEM stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis in Japan. MEDIPOST receives $8M upfront, $10M regulatory milestone, and additional sales-based milestones. MEDIPOST supplies drug substance and retains manufacturing rights. Teikoku leverages orthopedic hospital and clinic network for distribution.
• テイコクファルマケア株式会社 (Teikoku Pharmacare)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 March 2024Sales subsidiary handling OTC products, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics distribution in Japan. Acquired Halix brand from Lion in March 2024. Part of Teikoku Seiyaku Group.
• ライオン株式会社 (Lion)minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 29 March 2024Brand transfer of Halix external analgesic products from Lion to Teikoku. Three products including Halix 55EX Cold, Hot, and ID Plus transferred to Teikoku Pharmacare for OTC sales.
• 株式会社レクメド (Lekumed)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Sales partnership for NaPPS (poly-sulfated pentosan polysulfate) subcutaneous injection for knee osteoarthritis treatment in Japan. Lekumed is developing the drug as disease-modifying osteoarthritis treatment. Teikoku will handle distribution and sales activities.
• 興和株式会社 (Kowa)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 April 2022Exclusive sales rights for Aridne Patch (donepezil transdermal patch) in Japan. Teikoku develops and manufactures, Kowa handles distribution and sales. First donepezil transdermal formulation approved in Japan.
• 塩野義製薬株式会社 (Shionogi)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 February 2017Sales agreement for cancer pain treatment Mesopen tablets. Shionogi distributes alongside Terumo, providing medical information and collection activities. Adds to Shionogi's existing cancer pain treatment lineup.
• 田辺三菱製薬株式会社 (Tanabe Mitsubishi Pharma)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 October 2016Sales partnership for Rupafin tablets (rupatadine) allergy treatment. Teikoku supplies product, Tanabe Mitsubishi handles distribution and sales. Joint promotional activities for medical institutions. Rupafin approved September 2017.
• 大日本住友製薬株式会社 (Sumitomo Pharma)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 July 2014Sales transfer of Intivan, Catlep, and Drenison product lines to Teikoku. Sumitomo continues distribution logistics. Teikoku established MR sales force to promote products to medical institutions.
• J. Uriach Y Compania, S.A. (ユリアック社)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 22 May 2014Licensing agreement for rupatadine oral anti-allergy medication. Uriach developed the drug, approved in 80+ countries as Rupafin. Teikoku obtained exclusive development and sales rights for Japan.
• 大鵬薬品工業株式会社 (Taiho Pharmaceutical)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 July 2012Business partnership for OVF (fentanyl buccal tablets) for breakthrough cancer pain. Taiho develops, Teikoku manufactures and handles approval application. Joint provision of medical information to healthcare providers.
• エーザイ株式会社 (Eisai)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 14 February 2011Exclusive license agreement for donepezil hydrochloride transdermal patch in Japan. Eisai provides experimental drugs, Teikoku handles formulation development. Major expansion into CNS/transdermal combination.
• テルモ株式会社 (Terumo)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 31 August 2009Comprehensive partnership for cancer pain medications including Mesopen (methadone), Oxycodone SR capsules, and Fentanyl 3-day patches. Terumo handles sales while Teikoku manufactures. Partnership covers domestic development, manufacturing, and sales.
• エーザイ株式会社 (Eisai)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2009Licensing agreement for donepezil patch development and commercialization. Global licensing for worldwide markets. Eisai holds exclusive sales rights in US through Eisai Inc., option rights for Japan. Teikoku USA handles development.
• 帝國中国語製薬株式会社minorOthersGroup company manufacturing and selling kampo (Chinese herbal) medicines and crude drugs. Located in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa.
• Teikoku Pharma USA, Inc.coreOthers100% owned US subsidiary established 1997. Headquarters and factory in San Jose, California. Handles US market development, R&D, and Lidoderm sales through Endo Pharmaceuticals.
• Teikoku Pharma UK Ltd.minorOthersUK subsidiary established 2001 in London for European market development and Lidoderm approval applications in European countries.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Endo Pharmaceuticals:
• Eisai: Major Japanese pharmaceutical company and Teikoku's donepezil patch development partner (Aricept/Aridne). Comparable in CNS focus (Alzheimer's), Japanese origin, and partnership relationship, but operates as a broad incumbent pharma rather than transdermal specialist.

Direct peers

• Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical: Japanese pharmaceutical company and direct global leader in transdermal patches (Salonpas brand). Most directly comparable to Teikoku Seiyaku as fellow Japanese patch specialist with competing NSAID transdermal products, global OTC franchise, and similar pain management focus.
• Nitto Denko: Japanese diversified materials and healthcare company with significant transdermal drug delivery business including transdermal patches. Comparable to Teikoku in Japanese origin, proprietary transdermal technology, and pharmaceutical manufacturing scale.

Emerging players

• Luye Pharma Group: China-based pharmaceutical company with growing transdermal drug delivery portfolio including rivastigmine patches. Comparable to Teikoku as Asia-based specialty pharma with focus on transdermal CNS and pain products.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights3 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/teikoku-seiyaku-co.-ltd.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries7 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 Teikoku Seiyaku Co