Japan, the world's second-largest pharmaceutical market, is also home to one of the most innovative and experienced active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) producers. For almost seven decades, Yuki Gosei Kogyo (YGK) has made a solid contribution to various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, food additives and industrial chemicals such as marine paints, tyres and semiconductors. YGK has always provided safe and high-quality products through the most advanced research and development technologies and expertise. "YGK has been a technology-oriented company from the very beginning," says Kazuo Itoh, president of YGK. "We've always built core process chemistries to secure the long-term stable supply of the safest and highest-quality products, which must earn customers' trust and confidence." YGK's overall product portfolio is set to expand as researchers at the company's Tokyo Research Laboratory earnestly undertake prospective themes of study. Also, its Joban Factory in Iwaki city is developing production processes for various chemical compounds using state-of-the-art technologies. Such innovative spirit has helped YGK survive the backlash of the 2011 Japan earthquake. Owing to new product lines and cost management, the company has overcome severe global competition and rapid technological changes. One of the world's largest producers of glycine and beta-alanine, YGK also manufactures special APIs such as protamine sulphate for insulin formulations and isoniazid, a prescription drug for tuberculosis. The company conforms to the standards of Current Good Manufacturing Practices imposed by the US Food and Drug Administration. As YGK challenges global markets with its centre pillar products glycine and beta-alanine, together with a special line of APIs and amino acids, it is working domestically on APIs for generic drugs and fresh applications for existing products such as silicon-based compounds and pyridine derivatives. "We're always ready to partner globally for product sales, raw material procurement and on-site production if beneficial for both parties," Itoh says. "A win-win relationship with anyone based on trust and confidence is one of our values." Yuki Gosei Kogyo www.yuki-gosei.co.jp
