ABOUT US
Hisamitsu America, Inc.
History of SALONPAS
In the century-and-a-half since our founding, Hisamitsu has pioneered the development of transdermal patches to relieve everyday aches and pains. Our SALONPAS® product line gained early acceptance in Asia and now sells in 50 countries around the world.
Although our products now enjoy international recognition, we started out as a small, family owned business in Japan. Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical was founded in the mid-19th century under the name of Komatsuya. The company went on to create a large variety of health-related products. Our company has always prided itself on its ability to create new consumer products based on Hisamitsu’s comprehensive research, development, manufacturing, and sales capabilities.
SALONPAS® brand patches were first introduced in 1934, and their outright efficacy propelled our company to the position of market leadership that we currently hold today. SALONPAS® was developed through the application of Asahi Mankinko, the prototype therapeutic patch we introduced back in 1903. The original product gained quick acceptance and was considered cutting edge technology in its day. Thanks to sustained research and input from everyday users, our products continue to evolve. Moreover, our company has expanded the culture and use of patch treatment. Hisamitsu has striven to develop and refine therapeutic patches that are safe and easy to use.
Increased “productivity” and “multitasking” have become dominant themes in today’s lifestyle -not just in developing countries but around the world. Unfortunately, this has brought forth new health concerns associated with increased stress and reduced exercise.
Amid this environment Hisamitsu’s role has become pivotal. We believe the fulfillment of our mission is nothing less than an obligation to the global community. It is with that in mind that we work to improve our products and promote new means for people everywhere to apply the many benefits of patch care. Our approach to the future involves enhanced efficacy and ease of use for all our products. We will also be active in new fields, including gene therapy.
We at Hisamitsu are fully committed to making patch care a universally recognized therapy with an important role in every health-care methodology. It is through such a commitment that we will ensure our stature as a company that contributes to better quality of life for people around the world.
Corporate Philosophy
Hisamitsu’s goal has always been to advance the benefits of transdermal patches, especially their pain-relieving effects and the feeling of invigoration they offer. Nowhere is this objective better expressed than in our corporate maxim, “Salonpathy.” This word was derived from SALONPAS®, one of our key products. Under the banner of Salonpathy, we are actively promoting better health for people around the world, offering a range of pain relieving patches and pharmaceutical products based on the transdermal therapeutic system—the new worldwide standard for drug delivery.
As the 21st century begins, we are responding to basic needs that unite people everywhere. Good health, freedom from pain and a lifestyle rich in vitality, is the foundation for all we do at Hisamitsu. Our business strategy is designed to develop new medical products and drugs commensurate with our core competencies in transdermal therapeutics. This is our mission, to make patch care available for all who seek it-anytime, anywhere.
Research & Development
The Quest for New Possibilities
The future of pharmaceutical products is one of unprecedented possibilities.
Hisamitsu’s efforts in research and development are focused on TDDS (Transdermal drug delivery systems) products. The poultices, plasters, and ointments applied to the skin have been used for many generations. There are good reasons that this tried and true technology of administering drugs through the surface of the skin for delivery throughout the body is enjoying modern day popularity.
These include:
• Maintaining a steady drug concentration in the bloodstream
• Controlling dosage over a specific period of time
• Avoidance of the first-pass effect through the liver
• Reducing any harmful effects to the digestive system
Transdermal drug delivery systems are also useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing; children; the elderly and others. If it’s deemed necessary to discontinue drug delivery, it’s easy to terminate the process simply by removing the patch. TDDS is not only suitable for the treatment of skin diseases and muscle pain, as has traditionally been the case, but highly beneficial in the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions such as angina pectoris, asthma, hypertension and so on. Hisamitsu focuses on research and development of TDDS drugs to combat these kinds of afflictions.
