Ono is a research-based pure-play pharmaceutical company. For nearly three centuries, Ono has been involved in the development of novel medicines; the company is currently focused on the development of new treatments for diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous systems, as well as inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Ono employs over 2,400 people and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.
In March 2007, Ono established its Strategic Alliance business segment in order to strengthen research capability and expand the R&D pipeline through strategic alliances. This new corporate entity is the result of integrating the Drug Research Alliance and the International Business of Development segments. Strategic Alliance is tasked with aggressively promoting collaborative research and alliances through the introduction of leading-edge technologies from bioventure companies. Ono is aiming to enter 10 new drug-discovery alliances with bioventure companies over the next five years. Strategic Alliance is also intending to promote alliances with universities and research institutes both domestically and overseas. Ono targets 20-30 additional alliances with universities within the next five years.
Ono intends to develop new pharmaceuticals in Japan, the US and Europe, with a strong emphasis on clinical trials overseas. The company has had research facilities in the US (Ono Pharma USA Inc; Lawrenceville, NJ) and Europe (Ono Pharma UK Ltd; London, UK) since 1998, and now has five independently discovered compounds in its pipeline which are being independently developed overseas.
The marketing division is tasked with enhancing the reputation of Ono's pharmaceutical products through workshops and lecture meetings. Ono expects the National Health Insurance price revision and implementation of various healthcare cost containment policies may significantly and adversely affect its business. The company hopes to offset these losses through the launch of new products and by enhancing the competitiveness of existing products.
Pharmaceutical company intelligence reports from Espicom provide a full review of the company's activities together with five-year sales forecasts for its key products. 