February 7-9 2007
Otsuka Phils participates in the International Stroke Conference and TOSS Meeting in San Francisco, California USA

True to our vision for Otsuka in 2007, our company really started bigger, better and stronger through our participation in international scientific meetings in line with our commitment at pursuing medical excellence among our partners in the medical profession.

Last February 7 to 9, the International Stroke Conference [ISC] was held at the Moscone Convention Center where hundreds of Stroke Specialists and allied professions gathered together to update themselves on the current diagnosis, treatment, prevention, intervention and outcomes on Stroke management. The conference was organized and sponsored by the American Stroke Association (a division of the American Heart Association) whose major objective is at reducing disability and death from stroke through research, education, fund raising and advocacy. The American Heart Association created the American Stroke Association after many years of increasing awareness on stroke, as a key morbidity and mortality sequelae of cardiovascular disease.

Immediately after the ISC, Korea Otsuka International Arab [KOIAA] organized a satellite symposium on Intracranial Atherosclerosis & TOSS II trial at the Hilton Downtown Hotel where renowned and well-respected speakers in Neurology like Dr. Loiuis Caplan gave his insights and expert opinion on the subject matter. Dr. Jose C. Navarro helped in the organization of topics and invited the experts on Neurology for the “First Stroke Forum”.
The marketing team of Pletaal all over Asia region also took time to exchange strategies and updates to make Pletaal a global brand.

Migraine may cause strokes - mechanism is related to vasoconstriction, which when prolonged can lead to chronic structural changes; increased coagulability of platelets • Type 2 DM is associated with a greater extent of IAS • Inflammatory markers and metabolic syndrome are both considered as predictors for recurrence/progression of IAS • Medical treatment - ASA over warfarin for patients with symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis and those with bleeding risks

• Intracranial Stents - no consensus yet with regard to its efficacy and safety • Combination therapy is still the treatment of choice; ASA resistance must be defined based on biochemical, clinical aspects hence it remain a very controversial issue

These activities would definitely make waves for Otsuka as a company committed to create new products for better health worldwide.

February 12, 2007
Partnership Signed

The Philippine Society of Cardiovascular Catheterization and Interventions, Inc. (PSCCI) officially accepted Otsuka (Philippines) Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OPPI) as Corporate Member last February 12, 2007 at the Xintiandi Restaurant, Crowne Plaza.

Dr. Ronaldo H. Estacio, PSCCI Vice-president; Mr. Hirofumi Inoue, OPPI President and General Manager; and Dr. Timothy C. Dy, PSCCI President officially signed the Memorandum of Agreement. Present during the event were Dr. Teofilo C. Cantre, PSCCI Director; Dr. Jose C. Montemayor, Jr., PSCCI Director; Peter J. Francisco, OPPI Group Product Manager; Dindee S. David, OPPI Product Manager; Dr. Aurelia G. Leus, PSCCI Secretary; Dr. Ramon M. Pineda, PSCCI Treasurer and Karen M. Pompa, PSCCI Secretariat.

The PSCCI Corporate Membership would strengthen the relationship between OPPI and PSCCI through constant coordination and collaboration in patient advocacy programs as well as through continuing medical education for Interventionists so they may offer maximum benefits and safety to patients.

The partnership will also create a synergy between both organizations in providing effective and accurate disease and treatment awareness to the public. Currently, OPPI will be employing a patient awareness campaign with PSCCI for its cardiovascular products’ Firebird and Pletaal. The current program is geared to disseminate relevant information on Coronary Artery Disease, it’s symptoms and it’s treatment.

March 12, 2007
Contract Signing

Otsuka (Philippines) Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OPPI) has tapped Body Needs & Basics, Inc (BNBI) as the exclusive Philippine Distributor of Japan’s leading health drink – Pocari Sweat.

Contract signing between OPPI & BNBI was held last March 12, 2007 at OPPI boardroom. (Standing L-R) Mr. Brad Santiago, National Sales Manager of Pocari Sweat, Mr Apollo Casuga, Product Marketing Manager of Pocari Sweat.
Ms. Bernie Crisologo, Ms. Winnie Jimenez & Mr. Jay Aquino. (Seated L-R) Mr. Ruben Edwards Espiritu, Mr Red Espiritu Sr., both representatives of BNBI, Mr. Hirofumi Inoue, President & General Manager of Otsuka Phils. Mr. Mark Espiritu, BNBI Representative & Mr. Leopoldo Dimerin, Sales & Marketing Director of Otsuka Phils.