Mg Pharmaceuticals

What Mg Pharmaceuticals does

MGP Pharmaceuticals (エムジーファーマ株式会社), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. since 2003, is a Japanese specialty pharmaceutical and functional food company operating from Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture. Founded in 1969 as Hankyu Kyoei Iyaku, the company has spent 30+ years building proprietary lipid-metabolism research around its METAP (globin peptide / globin protein hydrolysate) ingredient, supported by 20+ peer-reviewed publications and an active tetrapeptide (VVYP) mechanism that suppresses postprandial triglyceride elevation. A second proprietary platform — Liconin (licorice extract / glycyrrhizin B) — is now emerging as a separate ingredient franchise for body fat decomposition. The company is the first in Japan to obtain a Foods with Function Claims certification in the neutral fat category.

MGP's commercial operations span three coordinated streams: (1) proprietary consumer brands sold direct-to-consumer via the company's own e-commerce (mgpharma.shop), Rohto's online store, drugstore chains (Tsuruha), TV home shopping (QVC), and convenience stores (7-Eleven), anchored by the Napple series, Reset Coffee, Reset Nuts, and supplement lines (Shibo Chuiho, Toshoku Chuiho, Seckin Chuiho); (2) ethical pharmaceuticals, principally MilMag non-stimulant magnesium laxative tablets and oral suspension, now co-distributed by Suntory Pharmaceutical since October 2024; and (3) B2B ingredient licensing and co-development, embedding METAP and Liconin into incumbent consumer brands (Kameda Rice Crackers, Yoshinoya 'Pep Gyu' gyudon, Tsuruha/Nichiryo Pan anpan and steamed buns, Delta International Reset Nuts, Moncher Bright Roll). Pricing on disclosed SKUs ranges from ¥138 (57g rice cracker) to ¥5,832 (fat-alert supplement), with consumer unit volumes demonstrated by 750,000+ Hokkaido Wheat Anpan units shipped by March 2022 and consistent QVC sell-outs on Shibo Chuiho since 2018.

The business model is best characterized as a hybrid ingredient-IP-and-brand platform: R&D depth on two proprietary ingredients generates both first-party branded SKUs and royalty-like B2B supply agreements, with the Rohto parent providing distribution infrastructure, regulatory support, and capital. Recent trajectory shows category-creating launches (first Japan functional anpan, nuts, rice cracker, and licorice-extract capsule) and new clinical claims (Nov 2024 METAP liver-protection effect) offsetting legacy SKU rationalization (June 2026 discontinuation of the MilMag 350mg 1000-count packaging).

Name

Mg Pharmaceuticals

Legal name

エムジーファーマ株式会社

Website

https://mgpharma.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

MGP Pharmaceuticals is a Rohto Pharmaceutical subsidiary developing proprietary lipid-metabolism ingredients (METAP globin peptide, Liconin licorice extract) and selling functional foods, supplements, and ethical laxatives to health-conscious Japanese consumers and B2B co-development partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceuticals & Functional Foods

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090)

akta.pro primary industry

Weight Management & Metabolic Supplements (CRADAGAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Herbal & Botanical Supplements (CRADAGAD), Better-for-You / Functional Snacks (Low Sugar, Keto, Probiotic, Fortified) (CRADABAM), Fats, Oils & Lipid Ingredients (Specialty Oils, MCTs, Structured Lipids) (CRADAOAL)

Keywords

• Functional food products
• Lipid metabolism supplements
• Ethical pharmaceuticals
• Proprietary peptide ingredients
• Nutritional health supplements

Headquarters

HQ city

Ibaraki (茨木市)

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements: MGP Pharma generates revenue primarily from functional foods (機能 性表示食品), foods with nutrient function claims (栄養機能食品), and health supplements (健康補助食品) sold under proprietary brands such as the Napple (ナップル) series, Shibo Chuiho (脂肪注意報), Toshoku Chuiho (糖質注意報), Seckin Chuiho (接菌注意報), Reset Nuts, Reset Coffee, and Reset Anpan. Products are sold through the company's own e-commerce shop, partner e-commerce platforms, drugstore chains, and TV home shopping (QVC).
2. Ethical Pharmaceuticals: MGP Pharma manufactures and sells ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals including MilMag (ミルマグ), a non-stimulant magnesium laxative. Sales are conducted through pharmaceutical distribution channels. From October 2024, Suntory Pharmaceutical (天藤製薬) also began selling MilMag tablets 350mg.
3. B2B Ingredient / Material Licensing: MGP Pharma licenses its proprietary ingredients (METAP/グロビンペプチド, Liconin/リコニン) to other food and beverage manufacturers for use in their branded products. Revenue is generated through ingredient supply agreements and co-development cost sharing with partners such as Kameda Seika, Yoshinoya, Tsuruha Holdings/Nichiryo Pan, and Delta International.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

MGP Pharmaceuticals develops and markets proprietary functional food ingredients (notably METAP globin peptide, Liconin licorice extract, and Aquamine marine multi-mineral) and finished consumer health products targeting lipid metabolism and neutral fat management. The company sells ethical pharmaceuticals such as the MilMag magnesium laxative, Foods with Function Claims products (Napple series, Reset series), and licenses its proprietary ingredients to food manufacturers for incorporation into partner-branded products such as rice crackers, coffee, and bakery items.

Product overview

Mg Pharmaceuticals operates as a Rohto Pharmaceutical Group company specializing in lipid metabolism health products. The company offers a unified portfolio centered on its proprietary Metap (globin peptide) ingredient developed through 30+ years of research, complemented by Licorinin (glycyrrhiza extract). Core offerings include the Napple series of functional foods and beverages (Tokuho-certified drinks, supplements, and foods) for neutral fat management, pharmaceutical products (Milmag magnesium laxatives), and a growing line of functional foods developed through cross-industry partnerships (Reset Nuts, Reset Coffee, Kameda Rice Crackers, steamed buns). The portfolio spans prescription pharmaceuticals, foods with functional claims (Tokuho and FFC), nutritional supplements, and general health products, all targeting lipid metabolism and preventive health.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ナップル (Napple): Brand of specific health food (Tokuho) and health foods for neutral fat management, including Napple Drink, Napple GM, Napple Royal, Napple BOX
• メタップ (METAP)
• リセット (Reset)
• 接菌注意報 (Settkin Chuuihou)
• ミルマグ (Milmag)
• ナップルジーエム (Napple GM)
• メタバランス50 (Meta Balance 50)
• ナップルロイヤルプラス粒 (Napple Royal Plus)

Products and services

• Napple Series (ナップルシリーズ)
• MilMag (ミルマグ)
• METAP (メタップ) Globin Peptide Ingredient

Quantifiable outcome

• 38% suppression of postprandial triglyceride elevation at 2 hours (Reset Coffee, 500mg METAP)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Suntory Pharmaceutical (天藤製薬株式会社)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2024Suntory Pharmaceutical began selling MilMag tablets 350mg from October 1, 2024, as an additional distributor alongside MGP Pharma. This expanded the reach of the ethical pharmaceutical product through an established pharma distribution network.
• Kameda Seika (亀田製菓株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 March 2023Joint development of the first functional food rice cracker (57g Kameda no Kakinotane) in Japan's rice cracker category. Kameda Seika contributed its leading market position and distribution network. Launched March 14, 2023 in limited convenience store regions.
• Yoshinoya (株式会社吉野家)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 December 2022Co-developed Japan's first functional food gyudon (beef bowl) product 'Pep Gyu' (ペプ牛) and 'Dashi Sapuri' (だしサプリ) using METAP ingredient. Yoshinoya provided food service channel and brand reach for reaching consumers through everyday meals.
• Delta International (株式会社デルタインターナショナル)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2020Joint development of Japan's first functional food mixed nuts (Reset Nuts Kinako Flavor). Delta International is a pioneer in low-carb (ロカボ) nuts manufacturing in Japan. MGP Pharma provided METAP ingredient; Delta provided nut processing expertise and low-carb positioning.
• Tsuruha Holdings (株式会社ツルハホールディングス) and Nichiryo Pan (日糧製パン株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Joint development of Japan's first functional food anpan (Hokkaido Wheat Anpan, 2020), steamed buns (Cheese/Choco Steamed Buns, 2022), and other products. Tsuruha provides retail distribution through its drugstore chain in Hokkaido and Tohoku. Nichiryo Pan provides baking/production capabilities.
• Moncher (モンシェール)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2017Co-created 'Bright Roll' cake incorporating METAP (globin peptide) with Moncher, the Osaka-based bakery famous for the Dojima Roll. The product was featured in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun and promoted at Moncher stores nationwide. The collaboration positioned METAP as an ingredient in premium confectionery.
• Chori (蝶理株式会社)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Exhibited jointly at Food Development Expo 2017, 2018, 2019 at Chori's booth (booth 3-153 in 2017, booth 2-106 in 2018-2019). Chori is a trading company that facilitated B2B introductions for METAP ingredient to food manufacturers.
• Rohto Pharmaceutical (ロート製薬株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Rohto Pharmaceutical acquired and made MGP Pharma a subsidiary in 2003. MGP Pharma operates as a group company under the Rohto Pharma umbrella. The parent company provides resources, distribution infrastructure (Rohto online store), and collaborative product development opportunities. MGP Pharma leverages the Rohto brand while maintaining operational independence.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Fancl Corporation: Fancl is a Japanese supplement/cosmetics specialist known for FFC-certified functional supplements sold direct-to-consumer (mail order + own retail) - highly comparable to MGP's Napple DTC model and FFC approval pipeline.
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Otsuka operates a portfolio straddling ethical pharmaceuticals (Otsuka Holdings) and consumer functional foods/beverages (CalorieMate, Pocari Sweat, innerSignal), closely mirroring MGP's dual pharma + functional food model targeting metabolic health.
• Kobayashi Pharmaceutical: Japan's leading OTC pharmaceutical and household healthcare products company with a deep functional food/supplement line (Naical, Seven Premium supplements) sold through drugstore channels - directly overlapping MGP's drugstore + functional health GTM.
• Yakult Honsha: Yakult's lactic acid bacteria / probiotic functional food business directly parallels MGP's Sekkin Chuiho lactic acid supplement; both target gut flora balance and metabolic wellness with clinically-supported proprietary ingredients.
• Suntory Wellness (Suntory Pharmaceutical): Suntory's wellness/OTC pharma division sells Sesamin and other functional ingredients targeting lipid/metabolic health through pharmacy and retail channels; already a MilMag distribution partner of MGP, making it directly comparable in functional ingredient commercialization.

Broad incumbents

• Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare: Daiichi Sankyo's consumer healthcare arm sells OTC and functional foods (Gasmotin, Loxonin S, supplement lines) through drugstores; a broader incumbent in MGP's overlap space of pharma-grade functional products.
• Meiji Holdings: Meiji's functional food division (Meiji Probiotics, Savas, lactic acid bacteria products) sells gut-health and metabolic-support products through Japanese drugstores and supermarkets, directly comparable in functional food categories MGP targets.
• Taisho Pharmaceutical: Large Japanese OTC pharmaceutical company (Lipovitan, RiUP) with an established metabolic health and consumer healthcare portfolio; broader in scope but operates in the same regulatory and channel environment as MGP.
• Kyowa Kirin: Kyowa Kirin operates ethical pharmaceuticals alongside a functional ingredients/healthcare business (Kyowa Hakko Bio amino acids and supplements); broader portfolio but comparable in pharma-grade ingredient science approach.

Emerging players

• Morinaga Milk Industry: Morinaga develops bioactive milk peptides (e.g., lactotripeptides for blood pressure, milk fat globule membrane ingredients) targeting similar cardiovascular/metabolic claims as MGP's METAP - comparable as a specialty lipid/peptide ingredient platform.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MGP_METAP
• Facebookfacebook.com/mgpharma.official
• Instagraminstagram.com/mgp_mgpharma
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mg-pharmaceuticals

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Mg Pharmaceuticals