Daiichi Sankyo to Sell Over-the-Counter Drug Business for $1.55 Billion

By Kosaku Narioka

Daiichi Sankyo plans to sell its over-the-counter drug business for about $1.55 billion, in a bid to focus on drug discovery.

The Japanese drugmaker said Wednesday that it would sell Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare to Suntory Holdings, a Japanese maker of beverage and other consumer products, for 246.5 billion yen.

Daiichi Sankyo said the over-the-counter drug unit has been expanding into skincare, oral care and food products, adding that consumer-focused Suntory could grow the business further.

The Japanese drugmaker said it would focus on its pharmaceutical business, particularly in the field of oncology.

The sale of the unit is scheduled to be carried out in stages and expected to be completed in June 2029.

Write to Kosaku Narioka at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-15-26 0350ET