In 1975, Rohto gained trademark rights to Mentholatum from The Mentholatum Company Inc., allowing the sale of Mentholatum-branded products.[2] Rohto acquired The Mentholatum Company Inc. in June 1988.[2][3]
In 2024 Rohto Pharmaceutical entered into a strategic partnership with the Austrian Sigmapharm Group. The collaboration aims to expand the production and distribution of ophthalmic drugs and medical products across Europe, with Rohto Pharmaceutical investing nearly €30 million in research, development, production, and sales.[4]
History
Yasutami Yamada (山田 安民) founded "Japanese: 信天堂山田安民薬房, lit. 'Shintendo Yamada Yasutami Pharmacy'" in Osaka, on February 22, 1899.[2] ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co. is the largest company in Japan's OTC drugs market. It is a leader in the eye drops market, commanding a 40% share.[3] They introduced "Rohto Eyedrops" in 1909.[2] The name "Rohto" was inspired by August von Rothmund,[note 1] a German ophthalmologist who was a professor for Toyotaro Inoue (井上 豊太郎, Inoue Toyotarō), a Japanese ophthalmologist.
Brands
LipIce: Lip Care line
Oxy B: Anti-acne products(acquired the OXY Skin Care branding from GlaxoSmithKline in December 2005)
Rohto Eyedrops: including Rohto Z!
Sunplay: Sunscreen daily sun care and after sun products
BodyIce: Deodorant roll-on and mists
Mentholatum: Skin care for face and body
Selsun: Anti-dandruff shampoo
Acnelogy: pimples treatment (Acne + Dermatology. It includes 3 skincare steps (Conditioning Foam, Acne Care Lotion, Concentrate Essence)