Kyowa Hakko Bio has announced the expansion of its citicoline manufacturing facilities at the Yamaguchi Production Center in Hofu City based on expectations of increasing global demand. Manufacturing at the production facilities is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2023.
Citicoline is a substance that has long been used around the world to treat brain diseases, the company says. It’s also used in health foods designed to support improved cognitive function. As the world’s population continues to age, demand for this raw material is reportedly rapidly increasing.
In addition, the global esports market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 15% between 2018 and 2023, and there are an increasing number of occasions in which better concentration and enhanced cognitive performance is desired. Given these trends, demand for citicoline is growing particularly in the United States for use in energy drinks.
Through an expansion of production capability, Kyowa Hakko Bio plans to establish a stable global supply network of citicoline to pharmaceutical and health food manufacturers. In addition, efforts will be made to use citicoline in the Kirin Group’s future product development.
Through the stable supply of the ingredient, Kyowa Hakko Bio aims to address the social issue of health and well-being and in particular the need to support overall cognitive health and promote focus and attention.