Zepharma

Zepharma was a prominent Japanese pharmaceutical company that specialized in the over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer healthcare markets. Established in 2004, it was formed through the merger of the OTC divisions of Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical and Mitsubishi Pharma, creating one of Japan's largest self-medication businesses. The company's portfolio included iconic brands such as the H2-receptor antagonist Gaster 10 and the antiseptic Makiron. In 2006, Astellas Pharma sold its stake in Zepharma to Daiichi Sankyo for approximately 235 billion yen. Following the acquisition, Zepharma was merged into Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare in 2007, significantly expanding Daiichi Sankyo's footprint in the consumer health market. The company played a pivotal role in the consolidation of the Japanese pharmaceutical industry during the mid-2000s.