Nephrology & Immunology
Our continued research and development in nephrology and immunology is fueled by a relentless curiosity and a promise to help patients and caregivers with high unmet needs receive the most advanced care possible.
If you think this is impossible,
you've never met an Otsuka-person.
Model portrayal.
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Breakthroughs, On Their Behalf
Too often, patients with complex conditions are underserved, their needs unmet and their lives left limited. At Otsuka, we see these underserved patients, we feel their uncertainty and fear, and we hear their struggles. Over the past decade, we have consistently tackled difficult-to-treat diseases in nephrology head-on, and have remained deeply invested in addressing the challenges these patients face. And today, we are prepared to go even further—deepening our work in nephrology and expanding into immune-mediated kidney diseases and other areas of immunology and metabolism.
Why? It’s simple. Because our dedication to patients inspires us to push the boundaries of science so that we can meet the needs of even more people seeking exceptional care. The future is never certain, but we are relentlessly committed to shaping it, guided by the voices of those we serve. At Otsuka, our persistent pursuit of breakthroughs will forever be on their behalf.
Decades Of Dynamic Discoveries
A legacy of landmark innovations
Otsuka has spent decades advancing kidney care, bringing life-changing treatments to people who need them. We developed a breakthrough therapy for hyponatremia and pioneered the first FDA-approved treatment to help slow kidney function decline in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Our work continues to ensure that patients have more options for the future.
Transforming treatment in immune-mediated kidney disease
Some kidney diseases—like IgA nephropathy (IgAN)—are caused by the immune system attacking the kidneys. We remain committed to advancing treatment through breakthroughs that reshape treatment landscapes, helping patients living with complex kidney diseases achieve more than they thought was possible.
Driven by dedication to nephrology’s most unique needs
We’re always looking ahead. Our Tokushima Research Center is driving innovation in cardiorenal diseases, while our biotech subsidiary Visterra is developing next-generation antibody therapies. Meanwhile, our Osaka Research Center is strengthening small-molecule drug discovery and expanding research into new treatment modalities.
Innovating in immunology for patients with complex challenges
Beyond kidney disease, Otsuka is expanding into immunology, researching Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatology, and dermatology—areas with limited treatment options. In 2024, we advanced our efforts by acquiring Jnana Therapeutics, a leader in using cutting-edge technology to tackle autoimmune diseases.
Discover what’s next.
Improving Future Outcomes, Together
NephU is a growing community where nephrology healthcare professionals engage, collaborate, and utilize resources to help improve kidney health worldwide.