What Arinamin Pharmaceutical does

Alinamin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (アリナミン製薬株式会社) is a Japanese private pharmaceutical company that operates the direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform 'Alinamin Pharmaceutical Direct' (alinamin-direct.jp). The company sells Class 2 and Class 3 OTC pharmaceuticals, specified quasi-drugs, health supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, and medicated bath products directly to Japanese consumers under brand families including Alinamin, Panvitan, Actage, Melanowhite, MIYABIKA, and Shanlab. The company is a subsidiary within the broader Alinamin group, which traces its heritage to Takeda Pharmaceutical (founded 1781); the Alinamin brand itself was introduced in 1954 as Japan's first vitamin B1 derivative and is now the company's core identity.

The company's core technology revolves around proprietary fulso-thiamine (フルスルチアミン), an in-house-developed vitamin B1 derivative created by combining vitamin B1 with a garlic component and deodorizing with a coffee aroma compound, plus multi-layer coating technology (多層化技術) that enables stable combination of up to 13 active ingredients in a single small tablet. Manufacturing is conducted at a self-owned, ISO 14001-certified factory operating under GMP-compliant 24-hour production. The product portfolio spans joint/mobility health, fatigue/energy, women's health (including menopause and cold/anemia/fatigue triad), dermatological skincare, anti-aging, haircare, and bath products, with multiple SKUs launched in 2024-2025 (Hizakoshi, Alinamin Fevit3, Megurio, Garlic VB1 Bath, Melanowhite Gel).

The business model is a direct-to-consumer subscription commerce operation with no retail or marketplace presence and no international shipping. The flagship pricing model is a subscription (定期コース) offering 10% off regular price, free shipping, and no minimum commitment; 82% of customers choose this option (data covering April-September 2024). One-time purchase and volume discounts (2 items 5%, 3 items 7%, 4+ items 10%) provide additional monetization, and first-time-buyer trial pricing of 20-74% off is used for customer acquisition. Distribution is fulfilled from a licensed distribution center in Hayamicho, Okayama Prefecture, operated by an affiliated entity (株式会社ジップ). Marketing uses paid search/social (Google, Meta, Microsoft), email, a refer-a-friend program, brand-heritage content, and phone sales.

Name

Arinamin Pharmaceutical

Legal name

アリナミン製薬株式会社

Website

https://alinamin-direct.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Alinamin Pharmaceutical is a Japanese direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical company operating alinamin-direct.jp, selling OTC pharmaceuticals, supplements, cosmetics, and bath products to Japanese consumers under 70+ year-old brands (Alinamin, Panvitan), with proprietary fulso-thiamine technology and a subscription model adopted by 82% of customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

OTC Pharmaceuticals and Health Supplements

NAICS

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Health and Personal Care Retailers (456)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermatology OTC & Skin Health (Acne Treatments, Eczema/Psoriasis OTC, Antifungals, Wart Removal) (CRADAMAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

OTC Pain Relief & Fever (Analgesics, Anti-inflammatory, Topical Pain Relief) (CRADAMAC), Dermatology & Topical Skin Treatments (HLAIADAE), Pain Relief & Anti-Inflammatory (Analgesics) (HLAIADAA)

Keywords

• OTC pharmaceuticals
• Vitamin supplements
• Health supplements
• Direct-to-consumer pharmacy
• Medicated cosmetics

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Sales: Sale of pharmaceutical products, health supplements, cosmetics, and bath products directly to consumers through owned e-commerce platform (alinamin-direct.jp). Products sold as single purchases or subscription.
2. Subscription Revenue (定期コース): Recurring delivery model with 10% ongoing discount, free shipping, and exclusive benefits. 82% of customers choose subscription. No minimum commitment required.
3. Volume/Quantity Discounts: Bulk purchase discounts: 2 items 5% off, 3 items 7% off, 4+ items 10% off. Cross-selling encouraged through discount structure.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Arinamin Pharmaceutical manufactures and sells its own portfolio of OTC pharmaceuticals, designated quasi-drugs, health supplements, functional foods, medicated cosmetics, and bath products directly to Japanese consumers through its owned e-commerce platform (alinamin-direct.jp). The company sells branded lines including Actage (joint care), Alinamin (vitamin B1 derivative family), Panvitan (multi-vitamin), Melano White (skin/blemish care), Megurio (menopause), Cure Natural (skin troubles), MIYABIKA (hair care), Green Habit (Euglena supplements), and Shanlab/Actage/Garlic B1 bath products, primarily via one-time purchase and recurring subscription.

Product overview

Arinamin Pharmaceutical operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform (Arinamin Pharmaceutical Direct) offering a comprehensive portfolio of pharmaceutical and health products. The product lineup includes: (1) Ethical pharmaceuticals across multiple categories - Actage HK for joint/lumbar pain, Fromin Ace and Panvitan Ace as vitamin-tonic supplements, Melano White for dermatological use, Fevit3 and Megurio for women's health, and Cure Natural BB CL Plus for skin conditions; (2) Original brand supplements - the Alinamin line of fulusulthiamine-based products including Alinamin Royal Ace energy drinks; (3) Health/functional foods - the Green Habit series (standard, green juice, DHA·EPA) featuring Euglena, plus Hizakoshi functional foods and Garlic Egg Yolk VB1 supplements; (4) Cosmetics/personal care - Melano White Gel anti-aging skincare and the MIYABIKA haircare line; (5) Bath products - Shanlab Premium, Actage Bath, and Garlic VB1 Bath. The company leverages its heritage as Japan's first vitamin manufacturer (established 1950) and its proprietary fulusulthiamine technology developed in 1954 to differentiate its product portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Panvitan (パンビタン): Japan's first comprehensive vitamin product launched in 1950, available in various formulations including Panvitan Ace
• Alinamin (アリナミン)
• Actage (アクテージ)
• Melanowhite (メラノホワイト)
• MIYABIKA (ミヤビカ)
• Shanlap (シャンラブ)

Products and services

• Actage HK Tablets (アクテージHK錠) Class 3 pharmaceutical tablets combining chondroitin (cartilage component) and fulusulthiamine (vitamin B1 derivative) for relief of joint pain (knees), lower back pain, and stiff shoulders. Targets consumers with mobility discomfort, particularly aging adults.
• Fromin Ace (フローミンエース) Class 2 pharmaceutical tonic containing three herbal ingredients (Tochu/eucommia, ginseng, deer antler) plus seven vitamins and calcium for fatigue recovery and tonic support.
• Panvitan Ace (パンビタンエース) Class 2 pharmaceutical multi-vitamin and mineral supplement delivering 10 vitamins plus calcium and magnesium for daily health maintenance. The Panvitan brand traces to Japan's first comprehensive vitamin product launched in 1950.
• Melano White (メラノホワイト) Class 3 pharmaceutical for spot and freckle treatment. Combines vitamin C that suppresses melanin production and promotes black-melanin decoloration with four supporting ingredients. Cumulative sales reached 497,000 units from April 2023 to November 2025.
• Alinamin Fevit3 (アリナミンFevit3) Specified quasi-drug tablets for women's health addressing the triad of fatigue, cold sensitivity, and anemia, combining fulusulthiamine, iron, and vitamin E among 8 active ingredients.
• Megurio (メグリオ) Class 2 pharmaceutical herbal medicine for menopause and post-menopause symptoms, formulated with seven herbal ingredients built on the Shimotsu-to base (Tochishi, Shakuyaku, Senkyu, Jio) plus Koibushi, Ninjin, and Kanzo. Online-exclusive.
• Cure Natural BB CL Plus (キュアナチュラルBB CLプラス) Class 3 pharmaceutical based on Alinamin's proprietary Cure BB formula with vitamins B2, B6, and amino acids to address skin roughness, fatigue, and canker sores.
• Alinamin Tablets (アリナミン錠) Specified quasi-drug tablets containing the proprietary vitamin B1 derivative fulusulthiamine, the foundational product of the Alinamin brand launched in 1954 as Japan's first vitamin B1 derivative.
• Calcichu Chewable Tablets (カルシチュウ＜チュアブル錠＞) Specified quasi-drug calcium supplement providing 600mg calcium per day via two chewable tablets.
• Alinamin Royal Ace (アリナミンロイヤルエース) Specified quasi-drug 50mL energy drink with fulusulthiamine at twice the level of Alinamin V plus royal jelly for fatigue recovery and concentration support.
• Hizakoshi (ひざ腰習慣) Functional display food (FOSHU) product designed to improve knee and lower back discomfort and relieve temporary physical fatigue for daily comfort support.
• Garlic Egg Yolk VB1 (にんにく卵黄VB1) Health supplement combining premium Fukuichi White six-segment garlic with vitamin B1-rich egg yolk from chickens raised on garlic feed at designated domestic farms.
• Green Habit (緑の習慣) Health supplement combining Euglena with three domestic vegetables (barley young leaves, ashitaba, kale) for daily nutritional balance.
• Green Habit Green Juice Type (緑の習慣 青汁タイプ) Matcha-flavored green juice health supplement combining Euglena with three selected domestic vegetables (barley young leaves, ashitaba, kale).
• Green Habit DHA/EPA (緑の習慣 DHA・EPA) Health supplement combining blue-fish DHA and EPA with Euglena to support healthy blood circulation and overall daily health.
• Melano White Gel (メラノホワイトジェル) Medicated quasi-drug all-in-one cosmetic gel with tranexamic acid and niacinamide that suppresses melanin production to prevent spots and freckles while improving wrinkles; a single gel delivers eight skincare functions using the proprietary Vitamin Bright Capsule technology to deliver actives to the corneum layer.
• MIYABIKA Medicated Hair Tonic (MIYABIKA 薬用育毛剤) Medicated quasi-drug hair tonic that works to prevent thinning and hair loss while promoting beautiful, voluminous hair as part of the MIYABIKA hair care line.
• MIYABIKA Shampoo (MIYABIKA シャンプー) Silicone-free shampoo from the MIYABIKA line that cleanses hair and scalp while providing moisture.
• MIYABIKA Hair Treatment (MIYABIKA ヘアトリートメント) Hair treatment containing damage-repair ingredients that adds volume, firmness, and shine to hair, part of the MIYABIKA hair care line.
• Shanlab Premium (シャンラブ プレミアム) Medicated quasi-drug bath product containing garlic B1 extract, chinpi (Citrus unshiu peel) extract, and thyme extract (moisturizing ingredients) in a yuzu scent.
• Actage Bath (アクテージ入浴剤) Medicated quasi-drug bath product with chinpi extract, rooibos tea extract, and thyme extract (moisturizing ingredients) in a citrus scent.
• Garlic VB1 Bath (にんにくVB1入浴剤) Medicated quasi-drug bath product containing garlic VB1 extract with a herbal scent for bath wellness.

Quantifiable outcome

• 82% of customers choose subscription (定期コース)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Google LLCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoogle provides customer match advertising services, using hashed customer email addresses and phone numbers to deliver targeted ads through Google's advertising platform.
• Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook/Instagram)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMeta provides custom audience targeting services, using hashed customer data to enable targeted advertising on Facebook and Instagram platforms.
• Microsoft CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMicrosoft provides audience targeting advertising services, using hashed customer data for targeted ad delivery.
• SB Payment Service Co., Ltd.coreTechnology or IntegrationSB Payment Service provides PCI DSS compliant payment processing infrastructure for secure credit card transactions on the e-commerce platform.
• 株式会社ジップ (Kabushiki Kaisha Zip)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor株式会社ジップ operates the licensed pharmacy (アリナミン製薬ダイレクト薬店, Permit No. 備中保第23202070号) and manages the Hayamicho distribution center for Alinamin Pharmaceutical Direct's mail-order operations.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Taisho Pharmaceutical: Japanese OTC pharmaceutical company with energy tonic brands (Lipovitan) that directly overlap Alinamin's fatigue/vitamin franchise. Comparable OTC regulatory positioning, multi-channel distribution, and tonic/vitamin portfolio targeting the same Japanese consumer.
• Fancl Corporation: Pure-play Japanese DTC health and cosmetics brand built around a subscription/loyalty model and direct customer relationships — directly comparable to Alinamin's 82% subscription, DTC e-commerce model and supplement/cosmetics adjacency.
• Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare: OTC consumer health subsidiary of Daiichi Sankyo, selling a similar breadth of Japanese OTC pharmaceuticals (pain relief, cold, vitamins, dermatology). Directly comparable OTC portfolio, regulatory classifications, and Japanese retail/DTC distribution.
• Kobayashi Pharmaceutical: Major Japanese OTC and household pharmaceutical company with a similarly broad portfolio of branded consumer health products (pain relief, skin, women's health, supplements) sold through its own retail and online channels. Closely comparable brand portfolio, OTC classifications and Japan-DTC go-to-market.

Broad incumbents

• Meiji Holdings: Japanese pharma and consumer-health conglomerate with vitamins, supplements and OTC product lines that overlap Alinamin's Panvitan franchise. Much larger scale and broader channel presence make it a broad incumbent rather than a direct peer.
• Shiseido: Major Japanese cosmetics and personal-care incumbent whose derma and inner-beauty/supplement ranges overlap Alinamin's Melano White Gel, MIYABIKA and vitamin lines. Much larger scale and broader channel footprint than Alinamin.
• Rohto Pharmaceutical: Larger Japanese OTC incumbent with leading positions in eye care, dermatology and skin health that overlap Melano White and MIYABIKA. Bigger portfolio and broader retail distribution make it a broad incumbent rather than a like-for-like peer.
• Pola Orbis Holdings: Japanese cosmetics group with derma and supplement adjacencies that overlap Alinamin's Melano White and Melano White Gel skincare lines. Larger cosmetics incumbent with broader retail and salon distribution.
• Sato Pharmaceutical: Established Japanese OTC pharmaceutical company covering dermatology, women's health and tonics. Comparable OTC product categories but with broader retail distribution and a longer heritage in prescription-OTC crossover products.

Emerging players

• ITO EN: Japanese health-focused beverage and supplement brand with a direct-to-consumer and convenience-channel footprint that intersects Alinamin's functional food (Hizakoshi) and Green Habit supplement lines. Smaller direct overlap, mainly a partial competitor in functional nutrition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alinamin-pharmaceutical-co-ltd

Compliance2 records

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 Arinamin Pharmaceutical