Ono Pharmaceutical (OTCMKTS:OPHLF) Co., Ltd., founded in 1717 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a research‐based pharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development and marketing of innovative therapies. With origins as a traditional pharmacy, Ono has grown into a global biopharmaceutical entity focused on delivering new treatment options across several therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, cardiovascular and antiviral diseases. The company conducts comprehensive research programs spanning early drug discovery through to clinical development.
One of Ono’s most recognized products is the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab, marketed in collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb under the trade name Opdivo. This immuno-oncology therapy has become a cornerstone treatment for various cancers such as melanoma, lung and renal cell carcinoma. Beyond oncology, Ono has developed epoprostenol (marketed as FASPRO) for pulmonary arterial hypertension and pursues research in autoimmune diseases and infectious disease treatments, including antiviral candidates.
Ono operates a network of research facilities and subsidiaries across Asia, North America and Europe to support its global R&D and commercial activities. In Japan, the company’s main research center focuses on molecular biology and immunology, while its U.S. and European research arms conduct clinical trials and regulatory submissions. This international footprint enables Ono to collaborate with academic institutions, biotechnology firms and multinational pharmaceutical partners.
Governed by a board of directors and led by senior executives with extensive industry experience, Ono maintains a strategic emphasis on innovation and partnership. The company continues to expand its pipeline through in‐house discovery and external collaborations, aiming to address unmet medical needs and enhance patient outcomes worldwide.
