Otsuka is opening its doors to the biotech world this fall. On October 28, MassBioHub will host Otsuka Day 2026. The event promises a rare look at how Otsuka scouts, evaluates, and closes deals with outside innovators. For biotech executives and investors, this is a chance to see what drives Otsuka’s business development up close. No theory. Just direct access to the company’s leadership and how they think.
The agenda wastes no time. Tarek Rabah, CEO of Otsuka North America Pharmaceutical Business, will kick things off. He’ll introduce Otsuka BioVentures and set the tone for a day built around practical insights, not empty networking. Rabah puts it plainly: “At Otsuka, acquisitions and collaborations are an extension of our long-standing commitment to perseverance and clinical excellence. We partner with companies where we believe our expertise can help advance promising innovation and unlock more potential within Otsuka than they could on their own—ultimately maximizing the impact for patients worldwide.”
Otsuka Holdings allocates over 300 billion yen annually to research and development, with international sales accounting for approximately 62–70% of its total revenue.
Inside Otsuka’s deal process
The program breaks down the real steps from first contact to acquisition. Danny Abernathy from Otsuka Business Development will lay out exactly what the company wants in a partner. The panel “Many Parties, One Deal” will go deep into how biotech acquisitions actually happen. You’ll hear from both sides of the table: Martin Buckland, Hannah England, Owen Hughes, Joanne Kotz, and Issi Rozen. These are not hypotheticals. Attendees will get real stories about how deals are found, structured, and closed in a tough market.
Otsuka’s partnership model is shaped by its two North American arms. Otsuka America Pharmaceutical handles the launch and sales of both its own and licensed drugs. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization leads clinical development and global registration. This setup lets Otsuka move early-stage science into the market fast, especially in the U.S. The U.S. is a top priority. It brings in a big share of Otsuka’s global sales. A recent market analysis points out that North America is key to Otsuka’s growth and partnership plans.
The event doesn’t stop at the handshake. A fireside chat with John Kraus, Zach Shriver, and George Vratsanos will dig into what happens after a deal closes. They’ll talk about how Otsuka says it keeps the spirit and vision of acquired companies alive, while using its own scale to help them grow. The day ends with a networking reception. Attendees can meet Otsuka’s top research and business development leaders face to face.
One of the most prominent examples of Otsuka’s partnership model is its collaboration with Lundbeck on Rexulti, where both companies jointly developed the drug for additional indications, illustrating Otsuka’s use of external alliances to expand its portfolio.
Who should attend
This is not a generic industry mixer. Otsuka Day is built for biotech leaders and investors working in neurology, psychiatry, immunology, nephrology, and rare diseases. If you’re building new therapies, investing in breakthrough science, or looking for strategic partners, this is for you. The focus is clear: push patient impact through innovation. Attendance is by application only. Registration must be approved. No cold pitches allowed.
Otsuka is showing its playbook to the biotech world. The company wants to attract the next wave of outside innovation. For those in the target fields, this is more than a networking event. It’s a direct invitation to meet Otsuka’s decision-makers and maybe shape its future pipeline. Otsuka isn’t waiting for innovation to show up. The company is looking for partners who bring real scientific and commercial value. It’s ready to share its approach with those who are up for the challenge.
