Corporate History

ASKA's History

We have always been close to the medical frontlines and provided valuable medicines as long as medical needs existed

ASKA Pharmaceutical has been creating and providing valuable pharmaceutical products that contribute to medical needs since its establishment in 1920. We aim to realize our corporate philosophy: "Contribute toward the improvement of people's health and progress in medicine through the development of innovative products. "We celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2020. The DNA of our pioneering spirit has never changed and will never change.

Founding Period (1893-1919)

Initially founded as an importer of Western spirits and foods
Succeeded in domestic manufacturing of various food products

Founder Yasohachi Yamaguchi opened "Yamaguchi Yasohachi Shoten" in 1893 as an importer of Western spirits and food products. Later, he entered the manufacturing business with the aim of domestically manufacturing food products. In 1908, he opened the "Teikoku-sha Foods Department Factory" in Yokohama to manufacture and sell Japan's first artificial butter (margarine). After that, the Company succeeded in the domestic manufacture of beef tallow, pork tallow, canned vegetables and meat, ham, and other products one after another.

The Start as a Pharmaceutical Company (1920-1954)

Developed and sold original hormone preparations from organs of discarded animals

The founder Yasohachi Yamaguchi began his journey with the unique idea of creating valuable medicines from discarded animal organs. Teikoku Hormone Research Institute was established in the Teikoku-sha Foods Department Factory. The Company designated June 16, 1920, when it began manufacturing the male hormone drug " SPERMATIN," as the date of the Company's founding.

Established today's foundation by developing and launching a series of new products, mainly hormonal agents

The Company successively developed and launched a thyroid hormone agent; THYRADIN, a male hormone agent; Enarmon and female hormone agents; OOPHORMIN and Ovahormon. In 1945, the Company changed its name to "Teikoku Hormone Mfg. Co., Ltd.”

Stock Listing - Growth and Development (1955-2005)

Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange
Promoted diversification of management

In 1955, the Company was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
We strengthened our positioning as a specialty pharma company, with a focus on the areas of "internal medicine," "obstetrics and gynecology," and "urology." We expanded our business to include veterinary pharmaceuticals, clinical testing, and medical devices.

The Birth of ASKA Pharmaceutical and a Further Advancement (2005-)

ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is formed through a merger with Grelan Pharmaceutical

In 2001, the construction of the head office building was completed.
In 2005, the Company merged with Grelan Pharmaceutical. And we became “ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.”

Formation of ASKA Pharma Medical

Established under the current name after a merger with predecessor company Medical System Service Kanagawa Co., Ltd. In 2020, moved to the Shonan Health Innovation Park (Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture) and began specializing in the testing business.

Formation of ASKA Animal Health

Established through a spin-off of ASKA's animal health business (formely Teikoku Hormone Mfg Co., Ltd.). Conducts business under the themes of breeding immunity and nutrition.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, we continue exploring new drug discoveries

To promote open innovation and strengthen the new drug business with a focus on restructuring the drug discovery function, the Kawasaki Research Center was relocated to the Shonan Health Innovation Park (Shonan iPark), and we continue to take on the challenge of new possibilities.

Formation of Mint⁺ Health Lab for Women's health

Established Mint⁺ Health Lab for Women's health as part of ASKA's social cotribution activities to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Mint⁺ Health Lab for Women's health website * Japanese version only
https://www.aska-pharma.co.jp/mint/