Dainippon Pharmaceutical

Sumitomo Pharma was born out of the merger of Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. in October 2005.

Pre-merger history

1897
  • Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., established on May 14.
  • Twenty-one prominent leaders in the pharmaceutical industry in Doshomachi, Osaka, founded Osaka Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
1898
  • Pharmaceutical Plant (former Osaka Plant and former Osaka Center) established in Ebie, Osaka.
  • The company acquired Dainippon Pharmaceutical Company, a public-private joint venture in Tokyo, and changed the name of the company to Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
1908
  • Osaka Pharmaceutical Testing Co., Ltd., acquired.
1914
  • Chemical products business started.
1927
  • EPHEDRINE "NAGAI"® (bronchodilator and antitussive) launched.
1950
  • Veterinary drug business started.
1956
  • OTC drug business started.
1960
  • Food additive business established.
1962
  • Voluntary recall of thalidomide preparation was implemented.
    *Click here to see the harmful incident concerning thalidomide.
1963
  • Dainippon Pharmaceuticals Taiwan Co., Ltd., established.
1968
  • Suzuka Plant (Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture) established.
1970
  • Construction of Research Laboratories (Suita City, Osaka Prefecture) completed.
1974
  • Laboratory products business started.
1979
  • DOLCOL® (antibacterial chemotherapy drug) launched.
1987
  • The Japan Epilepsy Research Foundation established.
1988
  • U.S. office opened.
  • PRORENALR® (vasodilator) launched.
  • CETAPRIL® (persistent ACE inhibitor depressor) launched.
1989
  • EXCEGRAN® (antiepileptic) launched.
1993
  • Construction of Central Distribution Center (currently, Kobe Distribution Center) completed.
1996
  • EBASTEL® (long-acting antiallergic) launched.
1997
  • One hundredth anniversary of founding commemorated.
1998
  • London and Beijing offices opened.
  • GASMOTIN® (gastroprokinetic) launched.
1999
  • KADIAN® (persistent cancer pain analgesic) launched.
2002
  • QVAR™ (inhaled steroid-based antiasthmatic) launched.
2003
  • Osaka Plant closed (merged with Suzuka Plant)
  • OPSO® (solution for treating cancer pain) launched.
2005
  • OTC drug business transferred.
  • EBASTEL® OD tablet (long-acting antiallergic) launched.