Biotech Investment News: Key Pharmaceutical Deals of Otsuka (2015–2025)

Strategic Overview: Otsuka’s Global Expansion in CNS and Rare Diseases

Otsuka Pharmaceutical has focused heavily on the central nervous system (CNS), leveraging U.S.-centered M&A and partnerships to expand its product pipeline. In recent years, the company has also ventured into oncology, cardiovascular, and rare disease areas through targeted acquisitions and collaborations.

Major Acquisitions and Partnerships (2015–2025)

• 2017: Neurovance (ADHD pipeline) – $250M
• 2018: Visterra (antibody engineering for rare diseases) – $430M
• 2018: ReCor Medical (renal denervation tech for hypertension) → FDA approved in 2023
• 2019: MediBeacon (noninvasive kidney diagnostics)
• 2021: Partnership with Mindset Pharma (psychedelic-based CNS drug development)
• 2023: Reinforced collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals (oncology epigenetics)

Strategic Highlights

Otsuka’s recent moves reflect its intent to go beyond traditional CNS focus, investing in new modalities like antibody engineering, diagnostics, and even psychedelics. The company continues to seek innovation hubs primarily in the U.S.

My Insight

Otsuka has successfully transitioned from a CNS-centric pharmaceutical firm to a broader, innovation-driven company. Its steady stream of acquisitions and partnerships strengthens its global positioning, especially in the U.S. market. As for oncology, we have a subsidiary Taiho Pharmaceutical, which specializes in oncology, so there is an interesting business structure, including the segregation of strategies and collaboration between them.

References

• Neurovance Acquisition (2017)
• Visterra Acquisition (2018)
• ReCor Medical FDA Approval (2023)