The firm is also working on new products made from botanicals, as well as those for gut health for its 10-year R&D pipeline.
Through these efforts, the company’s projected revenue for its internal medicines and food business is expected to range between 80 to 90 billion yen (US$550.7m to US$619.7m) by the end of this decade.
Rohto Pharmaceutical has been beefing up its health supplement business especially since its acquisition of Singapore-based traditional Chinese Medicine firm Eu Yan Sang last April.
On May 29, it launched a pill-and-shot supplement consisting of a tablet containing vitamin C, B6, D, and a 20ml collagen drink.
The beauty-from-within supplement was launched under the brand MOCOLA. A pack of seven costs 3,780 yen (US$26).
The pill-and-shot format typically contains either a capsule or a tablet together with a liquid vial. This format is particularly popular in South Korea since the commercial success of Orthomol. Various Korean big brand names have jumped on the bandwagon since, including CJ Wellcare and CKD Health.
“The tablet and drink are placed in an integrated container, making it easy to sustain the guideline of one bottle and one tablet per day,” said the company.
The 10 year plan: Phyto-science, gut microbiome research
The launch comes after the company announced its medium-to-long term growth strategy for year 2025 to 2035 - also the first time the company made public its mid-term plan.
“The growing awareness of health in recent years serves as a tailwind for our company to continue its growth.
”However, with significant changes in social circumstances and market environments, uncertainty has also increased.
“At this moment, we believe it is extremely important to present the strategy we envision, enhance future clarity, and share our company’s strategy with everyone,” said managing director and chief strategy officer Hidetoshi Segi.
There are three major strategies for its 10-year plan.
One of which is to develop new supplements under the Rohto V5 brand by tapping on phytoscience capabilities with Eu Yan Sang.
“The company plans to further expand the Rohto V5 brand and introduce supplements using plant-derived materials researched by Eu Yan Sang and phyto-science,” said Segi.
Rohto V5 is a eye supplement brand and complements Rohto’s eye drops business.
Eu Yan Sang will also play the role of strengthening its internal medicines and food business.
“The strengths of this business lie in Eu Yan Sang’s extensive expertise in medicinal herbs, Chinese medicine ingredients, and phyto-science, as well as its research and development capabilities and stable supply system for a diverse range of functional materials, including algae,” he explained.
Another area of interest is to develop gastrointestinal care products based on gut microbiome research.
“We will also develop gastrointestinal care products based on gut microbiome research and venture into the post-treatment care business.
“Additionally, the company will promote the food business and expand sales channels through collaboration between Eu Yan Sang and the Rohto Group.
“The projected revenue for fiscal year 2035 is expected to range between 80 to 90 billion yen,” he said.
Its two other main strategies are to 1) expand its self-care business globally and focus on new areas of hair care and fem care and 2) establishing a medical business foundation targeting business-to-business opportunities.
