Tanabe Pharma Corporation in Japan has a 300-year history of developing important treatments and creating hope for those facing illnesses. What does that mean to you, and how does it inspire the work at TPA?

Since the inception of our parent company Tanabe Pharma Corporation over three centuries ago, we have never stopped pursuing the impossible, as evidenced by our outstanding track record of discovering, researching and producing medications for an array of diseases, from multiple sclerosis to ALS in the therapeutic area of CNS. The global success of Tanabe Pharma Corporation established a strong foundation for Tanabe Pharma America (TPA) (previously Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America), and we’re motivated to continue building on this legacy as we seek innovative new therapies for unmet needs in the United States (U.S.).

What are some of the steps TPA has taken to establish itself in the U.S.?

TPA was established in Jersey City, N.J. in 2016. Since then, we’ve infused the rich history of Tanabe Pharma Corporation and its values into the work we do every day at TPA. Like our parent company, we’re driven by our sense of pride and are steadfast in our mission to improve the treatment landscape. This is demonstrated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of our intravenous treatment for ALS in 2017, which was the first new option in the U.S. in more than 20 years.

I’ve been a part of the Tanabe Pharma Corporation group for decades, and as I continue my role as President of TPA, I look forward to bringing more treatments for devastating diseases to market through research, development and innovation. The integration of Tanabe Pharma Corporation’s U.S. group companies in early 2023 helped accelerate our efforts in a number of key areas.

What do you think makes TPA unique and special?

Like our parent company, we’re powered by a collective mission to address unmet medical needs and tackle debilitating diseases. We never shy away from a challenge. By fostering a culture that prioritizes determination and collaboration across our organization, TPA continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in the U.S. To drive our goals, TPA promotes the open exchange of ideas, which increases engagement and helps us innovate more efficiently.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of our values at TPA. I unequivocally believe that our employees measure success in people helped rather than profits earned. When you have that mindset, you succeed as a result. It’s not enough just to have the desire to innovate, it’s how our employees bring those ideas to fruition that impresses me. Our teams have the highest ethical standards, a strong work ethic and sense of accountability, and share a common (and important) goal: improving patient lives.

Updated April 1, 2026