ONO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.

The founding of Kono Pharmaceutical began when the first founder, Fushimiya Ichibou, was allowed to separate from another family at the age of 20, and in 1717, he inherited the name Fushimiya Ichibou through a division of the family name.

Ono Pharmaceutical’s history began when, at the age of 20, Ichibei Fushimiya, the founder of the business, was permitted to establish a branch household and, in 1717, took the name Ichibei Fushimiya through a business succession arrangement.

Since its founding in 1717, Ono Pharmaceutical has strived for 300 years across the Edo, Meiji, Taishō, Shōwa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, wishing for patients’ health and fighting "against disease and pain for humanity."

In 1722 (Genroku 7), the Tokugawa shogunate established the "Japanese Medicine Inspection Office" in five cities—Edo, Suruga, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sakai—to eliminate counterfeit medicines. In the town of Doushou, 124 apothecaries were officially recognized by the shogunate, and all Japanese medicines entering Osaka were inspected there. The first director of the inspection office, appointed by the shogunate, was the first Fushimiya Ichibou.

In 1722 (the seventh year of the Kyōhō era), the Tokugawa shogunate established offices to inspect Japanese medicinal materials in five cities—Edo, Sunpu, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sakai—to eliminate counterfeit medicines. In Doshomachi, 124 drug wholesalers were officially recognized by the shogunate as a trade guild, and all Japanese medicinal materials entering Osaka were to be inspected there. Fushimiya Ichibee opened a shop in Doshomachi that year, establishing an independent store despite occupying rented premises.

In 1722, the Tokugawa shogunate established offices for inspecting Japanese medicinal materials in five cities—Edo, Sunpu, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sakai—to eliminate counterfeit medicines. In Doshomachi, 124 medicine wholesalers were officially recognized by the shogunate as a trade association, and all Japanese medicinal materials entering Osaka were to be inspected in Doshomachi.

In 1722 (the seventh year of the Kyoho era), the Tokugawa shogunate established offices for inspecting Japanese medicinal materials in five cities—Edo, Sunpu, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sakai—to eliminate counterfeit medicines. In Doshomachi, 124 medicine wholesalers were officially recognized by the shogunate as a trade association, and all Japanese medicinal materials entering Osaka were to be inspected in Doshomachi.

Ono Pharmaceutical opened a shop in Doshomachi, establishing an independent store of its own, albeit in rented premises.

Ichibei Fushimiya became the inaugural head of the office responsible for inspecting Japanese medicinal materials.

In 1722, the business opened in Doshomachi. Although it was a rented property, it had its own independent shop, as also depicted in the Fushimiya Ichibei illustration in the first volume of the New Edition of the Illustrated Compendium of Two Thousand Years of Japanese History, published in 1849.

The name first appeared as a member of the merchant guild in a roster dating from 1735 (the 20th year of the Kyoho era).

In 1848, during the time of the sixth Ichibee, a crane was said to have alighted at Fushimiya, an episode recorded in Doshomachi Manroku. The crane was kept after permission was sought from the shogunate and was later enshrined as Chitose Myojin. It remains enshrined on the rooftop of the head office today.

On October 22, 1848 (the first year of the Kaei era), the day of the festival at Osaka’s Ikasuri Shrine, a crane flew to the drying platform of Fushimiya Ichibei. On this auspicious day of the tutelary deity’s festival, he immediately welcomed this heavenly treasure guest into a golden cage and celebrated the auspicious omen.

In 1848, during the reign of the sixth generation of the city guard, a crane descended upon the Fushimiyaya.

On October 22, 1848, during the Osaka Zama Shrine festival, a crane flew onto the drying rack of Ichibou Fushimiya, and the crane was immediately enshrined in gold and silver, celebrating the auspicious day. This event is also depicted in the company’s four-screen folding screens titled "Crane Arrival."

During the time of the sixth Ichibei, a crane flew down to the Fushimiya residence. The episode is recorded in Doshomachi Manroku as follows: “On October 22, 1848, the day of the festival at Osaka’s Ikasuri Shrine, a crane flew to the drying platform of Ichibei Fushimiya. On this auspicious day of the shrine festival, we promptly welcomed the heavenly treasure guest into a metal cage and celebrated the auspicious omen.” It is also depicted as “Crane’s Arrival” on a four-leaf, eight-panel folding screen in the company’s collection.

An episode from the time of the sixth Ichibei tells of a crane flying down to the Fushimiya residence; it was recorded as “Crane’s Arrival.”

From the Meiji era onward, Western medicine was introduced in earnest, and pharmaceutical manufacturing technology advanced dramatically. Ono Ichibee established Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., set up a testing department, and conducted pharmaceutical testing.

In 1934 (Showa 9), the eighth-generation Ichibou reorganized the long‑standing family business into the joint‑stock company "Kono Ichibou (Kono) Trading Co., Ltd." to modernize its management.

In 1934 (the ninth year of the Shōwa era), the eighth Ichibee reorganized and renamed the business as the partnership company Ono Ichibee (Ono City) Shoten, adopting a modern management approach.

In 1934 (the 9th year of the Showa era), the eighth-generation Ichibei reorganized and renamed the business, whose trade name had continued since its founding, as the partnership Ono Ichibei (Ono City) Shoten (capital: ¥160,000), setting it on the path to modern management.

In the Showa era, the eighth generation of the city guard reorganized and renamed the long-standing family business into the joint-stock company "Kono City Guard (Kono City) Trading Co., Ltd." (capital 160,000 yen) to transition to modern management.

In 1947 (Showa 22), after the war, Kono Yuzo (the ninth generation) believed that the only viable path was to manufacture pharmaceuticals. He founded two companies, "Nippon Organic Chemical Co., Ltd." and "Nippon Rika Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.", creating a new pharmaceutical company that combined sales and manufacturing.

In 1947, Managing Director Yuzo Ono believed that “the only way to survive the changing times is to manufacture pharmaceuticals.” He established Nippon Yuki Kako Co., Ltd. and Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began selling and manufacturing pharmaceuticals.

In 1947, while the wounds of defeat had yet to heal and Japan was in turmoil, Yuzo Ono (the ninth Ichibei Ono) believed that “the only path forward to survive the changing times is to manufacture pharmaceuticals.” He established Japan Organic Chemical Co., Ltd. and Japan Scientific Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., beginning a new chapter as a pharmaceutical company with both pharmaceutical sales and manufacturing operations.

In 1947 (Showa 22), Ono Yuzo, then Managing Director (the ninth generation of the Ono family), believed that the only path to survive the changing times was to manufacture pharmaceuticals, and embarked on a long‑awaited venture into pharmaceutical production.

In 1947, the ninth generation of the city guard, Ono Yuzo, then executive director, believed that the only path to survive the times was to manufacture pharmaceuticals. He launched a full-scale venture into pharmaceutical manufacturing, establishing "Japan Organic Chemical Co., Ltd." and "Japan Rika Chemical Industry Co., Ltd." as a pharmaceutical company with both "sales" and "manufacturing" functions, marking a new start.

In 1948 (Showa 23), a joint development with Professor Toshikazu Murahashi of Osaka University succeeded in industrializing ephedrine, a compound previously considered difficult to synthesize, and the company released the cough suppressant "Ephedrine Tablets."

In 1948, through joint development with Professor Shunsuke Murahashi of Osaka University, the company succeeded in industrializing ephedrine, which had been difficult to synthesize, and launched Ephedrine Tablets, an asthma and cough medicine.

Japan Organic Chemical Co., Ltd. was renamed Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. That same year, the company succeeded in industrializing ephedrine and launched Ephedrine Tablets, a cough suppressant for asthma.

In the following year, 1948 (Showa 23), Japan Organic Chemical Industries was renamed Ono Pharmaceutical. That same year, a joint development with Professor Toshikazu Murahashi of Osaka University succeeded in industrializing ephedrine, which was then considered difficult to synthesize, and the asthma suppressant "Ephedrine Tablets" were launched.

In 1948, Japan Organic Chemical was renamed "Kono Pharmaceutical Industries." That same year, a joint development with Professor Toshikazu Murahashi of Osaka University succeeded in industrializing ephedrine, then considered difficult to synthesize, and launched the asthma suppressant "Ephedrine Tablets."

Seeking to expand its consumer healthcare business, Ono Pharmaceutical actively stepped up its advertising and promotional activities. It featured products such as Atero, a cholesterol metabolism improvement agent, and Rikihormo, a general tonic, in its advertisements, and expanded its sales offices.

From 1950 (Showa 25) to 1964 (Showa 39), Ono Pharmaceutical focused on expanding its over‑the‑counter drug portfolio.

After the war, the company entered the consumer healthcare market in earnest. It established the Geriatric Disease Research Association and began research on prostaglandins.

The starting point was the encounter with prostaglandin, referred to as the "dream substance."

In 1956, the Senior Disease Research Association was founded.

In 1958, Atero was launched.

In 1958, the cholesterol metabolism improving agent "Atero" was launched.

The issue of teratogenicity caused by thalidomide in the sleep‑inducing agent "Bombren," released in 1960.

The sleep sedative "Bombren" released in 1960 contained thalidomide, which caused teratogenic issues.

The problem of retinal damage caused by the accumulation of chloroquine, used in the kidney disease treatment drug "Kydra," released in 1961 after long‑term use.

The kidney disease treatment drug "Kydra" released in 1961 contained chloroquine, which accumulated in the body over long-term use and caused retinopathy.

In 1962 (Showa 37), the company was listed on the Second Section of the Osaka Stock Exchange, and in 1963 (Showa 38) it moved to the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

In 1962, the company listed its shares on the Second Section of the Osaka Securities Exchange.

The company listed its shares on the Second Section of the Osaka Securities Exchange.

In 1962 (Showa 37), the company was listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

In 1962, the company achieved listing on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

In 1963, the company listed its shares on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The company listed its shares on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

In 1963 (Showa 38), the company was listed on the Second Section of the Osaka Stock Exchange.

In 1963, the company achieved listing on the Second Section of the Osaka Stock Exchange.

The company succeeded in synthesizing PG for research.

In 1965, research-grade PG was synthesized.

In 1965, the ninth Elderly Disease Research Society meeting was held.

In 1967, the first PG Research Conference was held.

In 1967, the first PG Research Society meeting was held at Kyoto University.

In 1968, the successful chemical synthesis of PG for research purposes accelerated research.

In 1968, complete chemical synthesis of PG was achieved.

In June 1968 (Showa 43), the company established the Central Research Institute (now the Mizunase Research Institute) to pursue the development of genuine medical drugs, including PG.

Opened the Central Research Institute (now Minase Research Institute) and began full-scale research and development of pharmaceuticals, including PG.

In June 1968, the Central Research Institute was established.

In June 1968, the Central Research Institute (now Mizunase Research Institute) was established.

In March 1974, Prostarmon F Injection, a labor-inducing and labor-augmenting drug, was launched as the world's first PG-related pharmaceutical product.

Launched the world’s first PG-related product, Prostalmon F Injection.

In March 1974, the world’s first PG‑related product, the labor induction and augmentation agent "Prostarmon F Injection," was launched.

In March 1974, the world’s first PG-related product, the labor-inducing and promoting agent "Prostarmon F Injection," was launched.

In 1978, many prostaglandin products, including FOY Injection for the treatment of pancreatitis, were launched.

In 1978, the company launched FOY Injection for the treatment of pancreatitis and subsequently introduced many prostaglandin products.

Launched the oral labor-inducing agent Prostalmon E Tablets.

In 1978, the oral labor augmentation agent "Prostarmon E Tablets" was launched.

In 1978, the pancreatitis treatment drug "Injection Efowai" was launched.

In 1978, the oral labor-promoting agent "Prostarmon E Tablets" was launched.

In 1978, the pancreatitis treatment drug "Injection Efowai" was launched.

Launched a series of world-first drugs, including Prostandin for Injection and Opalmon Tablets.

In 1979, a letter was received from Professor Bergström.

In 1979, the injectable prostandin was launched.

In 1979, the treatment drug for the rare disease Bager disease, "Injection Prostandine," was launched.

In 1982, the company worked with Drs. Bergström, Samuelsson, and Vane to advance cutting-edge research.

In 1982, the company worked with Professor Bergström and colleagues to advance its research.

Advanced research on prostaglandins in collaboration with Professor Bergström and others, who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Ono Pharmaceutical learned from and collaborated with world‑class researchers, including Nobel laureates Bergström, Samuelson, and Bain (Physiology or Medicine, 1982) and Dr. Corey (Chemistry, 1990), producing unprecedented pharmaceuticals.

In 1982, collaboration with Nobel laureates Bergström, Samuelson, and Bain advanced research.

Launched Foipan Tablets, a treatment for chronic pancreatitis.

In 1985, the world's first oral proteinase inhibitor for chronic pancreatitis, 'Fuoipan tablets', was launched.

In 1985, the world’s first oral proteinase inhibitor for chronic pancreatitis, "Fuoipan Tablets," was launched.

In 1988, the company launched Kataclot Injection, the world's first thromboxane synthase inhibitor.

Launched the world’s first thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, Cataclot for Injection.

In 1988, the world's first thromboxane synthase inhibitor, 'Kataclot injection', was launched.

In 1988, the world's first treatment for occlusive thromboangiitis, 'Opalmon tablets', was launched.

In 1988, the world’s first thromboxane synthase inhibitor, "Injection Kataclot," was launched.

In 1988, the world’s first treatment for occlusive thromboangiitis, "Opalmon Tablets," was launched.

In 1990, Professor E. J. Corey of Harvard University succeeded in the total chemical synthesis of PG. Ono Pharmaceutical followed suit, becoming the first in the world to achieve total synthesis of PG.

In 1990, the company succeeded in the total chemical synthesis of PG together with Professor E. J. Corey of Harvard University and others.

Achieved the total chemical synthesis of PG.

In 1990, starting with Dr. Corey, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Ono Pharmaceutical learned from and collaborated with world-leading researchers, creating unprecedented medicines.

While drugs that directly attacked cancer cells were mainstream, the mechanism of 'Opdivo', which releases the brake that inhibited attacks on cancer cells, was a groundbreaking breakthrough beyond conventional cancer therapy.

In 1990, we advanced our research in collaboration with Dr. Corey, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

During a time when drugs that directly attacked cancer cells were mainstream, the mechanism of "Opdivo," which released the brake that was inhibiting attacks on cancer cells, was a groundbreaking innovation that transcended conventional cancer therapy frameworks.

In 1992, PD-1 was discovered by Professor Tasuku Honjo of Kyoto University and his colleagues.

PD-1 was discovered at Honjo Laboratory, Kyoto University.

In 1992, the world's first aldose reductase inhibitor, 'Kinedak tablets', was launched.

In 1992, the oral thromboxane synthase inhibitor, 'Vega tablets', was launched.

In 1992 (Heisei 4), PD‑1 was discovered at Kyoto University’s Main Research Institute, but its function remained unknown for a long time.

In 1992, the world's first aldose reductase inhibitor, "Kinadac tablets," was released.

In 1992, the oral thromboxane synthase inhibitor "Vega tablets" was released as a treatment for bronchial asthma.

In 1995, the world's first leukotriene receptor antagonist, 'Onon capsules', was launched.

In 1995, the world's first leukotriene receptor antagonist "Onon capsules" was released as an asthma treatment.

In 1999, it was confirmed that mice lacking PD-1 develop autoimmune diseases.

It was confirmed that PD-1-deficient mice develop autoimmune diseases.

In 1999 (Heisei 11), it was finally found that PD‑1 knockout mice developed autoimmune diseases with aging, yielding intriguing results.

In 2000, PD-L1 was identified as a molecule that binds to PD-1.

PD-L1 was identified.

In 2000 (Heisei 12), PD‑L1 was identified as a molecule that binds to PD‑1.

In July 2014, Opdivo was approved and launched as the world's first immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1.

In 2002, it was confirmed that PD-1 is involved in suppressing cancer immunity.

It was confirmed that PD-1 is involved in suppressing cancer immunity.

Launched Onoact.

In 2002, the world's first acute lung injury drug, 'Eraspol injection', and the tachycardia arrhythmia treatment, 'Onact IV infusion', were launched.

In 2002 (Heisei 14), it was confirmed that PD‑1 is involved in suppressing cancer immunity by the same knockout mice.

Since the launch of 'Onact' in 2002 (Heisei 14), the company faced a tough situation with successive discontinuations of in‑house compounds, but it intensified licensing activities to expand the development pipeline and enrich the product lineup.

In 2002, the world's first acute lung injury treatment drug "Elaspool injection" was released.

In 2002, the tachyarrhythmia treatment drug "Onact IV infusion" was released.

Clinical development of anti-PD-1 antibodies began in 2005.

Development began on Opdivo Intravenous Infusion, an antineoplastic agent.

2007 (Heisei 19) – Overactive bladder drug 'Stevbra tablets'.

2009 (Heisei 21) – Osteoporosis treatment drug 'Ricallbon tablets'.

In July 2014, Opdivo became the world’s first approved and launched immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1.

The anti-human PD-1 monoclonal antibody Opdivo Intravenous Infusion was approved and launched for the first time in the world.

In July 2014 (Heisei 26), 'Opdivo' became the first drug worldwide approved as a PD‑1 targeted immune checkpoint inhibitor.

In July 2014 (Heisei 26), "Opdivo" became the first drug worldwide to be approved as a PD-1-targeting immune checkpoint inhibitor, and it was released in September of the same year.

In September 2014 (Heisei 26), it was launched.

In 2017, Ono Pharmaceutical celebrated its 300th anniversary and continued its research and development of new drugs, pursuing challenges for the future.

In 2017, Ono Pharmaceutical marked its 300th anniversary. Although the odds of successfully creating a new drug were said to be just 1 in 25,000, the company continued to bring new drugs to market one after another and drive innovation.

As Ono Pharmaceutical marked its 300th anniversary, it continued research and development of new drugs, despite the odds of successfully creating one being said to be 1 in 25,000.

In 2017, after 300 years of founding, the probability of successfully creating a new drug was only 1 in 25,000. Amid increasing challenges in new drug development, Ono Pharmaceutical continued its research and development.