ICE Japan History
ICE Japan stands out as the largest supplier and a top-quality UDCA API producer, boasting over 40 years of legacy from the Iwaki plant. This facility has consistently provided reliable products and services to both Japanese and non-Japanese pharmaceutical markets, demonstrating a strong track record of stable supply.
Who we are
ICE Japan stands out as the largest supplier and a top-quality UDCA API producer, boasting over 40 years of legacy from the Iwaki plant. This facility has consistently provided reliable products and services to both Japanese and non-Japanese pharmaceutical markets, demonstrating a strong track record of stable supply.
Tokyo Tanabe was the original developer of UDCA in Japan in the 1950’s and the Iwaki plant was established after multiple acquisitions within Mitsubishi Tanabe group in the 1980’s. In May 2022 the site was acquired by ICE Pharma. We are proud of its long heritage of high quality stable supply to Japanese and international customers.
Company Overview
ICE Japan was established in May 2022 following the acquisition of Mitsubishi Tanabe’s Iwaki Plant by ICE Pharma Group. It stands as the largest supplier and a top-quality UDCA API producer in Japan, boasting a strong track record of stable supply. With over 40 years of legacy from the Iwaki plant, ICE Japan continues to provide products and services to both Japanese and non-Japanese pharmaceutical markets.
Our Business
ICE Japan stands out as the largest supplier and top-quality UDCA API producer in Japan, boasting a remarkable track record of stable supply. With over 40 years of legacy from the Iwaki plant, ICE Japan has consistently delivered products and services to both Japanese and non-Japanese pharmaceutical markets.
Our Culture
The culture at ICE Japan is embodied in a set of behaviors that represent the core character of the company and can be viewed as one of our intangible assets.
These behaviors can be categorized into three distinct pillars, which collectively establish the foundation of our conduct as individuals and as a group.
History
ICE Japan stands out as the largest supplier and a top-quality UDCA API producer, boasting over 40 years of legacy from the Iwaki plant. This facility has consistently provided reliable products and services to both Japanese and non-Japanese pharmaceutical markets, demonstrating a strong track record of stable supply.
Tokyo Tanabe was the original developer of UDCA in Japan in the 1950’s and the Iwaki plant was established after multiple acquisitions within Mitsubishi Tanabe group in the 1980’s. In May 2022 the site was acquired by ICE Pharma. We are proud of its long heritage of high quality stable supply to Japanese and international customers.
ICE’s first plant was opened in Reggio Emilia, Italy (production of cholic acid and bile acids derivatives).
Establishment of BBA Industria Quimica, founded in Parana, Brazil (collection of bile and its transformation into raw cholic acid).
Acquisition of RPT Texas, USA (collection and concentration of bile).
Opening of Arennis in Argentina (collection and concentration of bile).
Opening of Walfed Pty in Australia (collection and concentration of bile).
Manufacturing
ICE Pharma is a multinational company dedicated to providing products and services to the pharmaceutical and healthcare markets.
With a history spanning over 70 years, the company boasts a network of manufacturing facilities and subsidiaries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Our products and services are commercialized in all major global markets, serving customers in over 50 countries and establishing a strong international presence.

Our Products
ICE Group is an expert in manufacturing bile acid APIs and the leading global manufacturer of Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA).ICE Japan is dedicated to the production and commercialization of high-quality Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) active pharmaceutical ingredient for branded, generics and OTC products. Our company is approved for supply to the Japanese, the US, European and Asian markets.
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UDCA
Ursodeoxycholic acid is an API used for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), dissolution of radiolucent gallstones in patients with a functioning gallbladder, and treatment of hepatobiliary disorders associated with cystic fibrosis in pediatric patients.
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Diagnostic / Culture Media
ICE manufactures several refined bile products that are used as selective inhibitory agents in bacteriological media. In addition to UDCA manufactured in Japan, ICE Japan commercializes selected products manufactured by ICE Pharma Group companies, tailored for the Japanese market.
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Overview
ICE Pharma is a multinational company dedicated to providing products and services to the pharmaceutical and healthcare markets.
With a history spanning over 70 years, the company boasts a network of manufacturing facilities and subsidiaries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Our products and services are commercialized in all major global markets, serving customers in over 50 countries and establishing a strong international presence.
Accreditations
ICE Pharma is a multinational company dedicated to providing products and services to the pharmaceutical and healthcare markets.
With a history spanning over 70 years, the company boasts a network of manufacturing facilities and subsidiaries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Our products and services are commercialized in all major global markets, serving customers in over 50 countries and establishing a strong international presence.
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Address
1-2, Keiseisaku, Joban-Misawamachi, Iwaki, Fukushima, 971-8136, Japan
Contact Info
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Address
1-2, Keiseisaku, Joban-Misawamachi, Iwaki, Fukushima, 971-8136, Japan
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Email
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Our three pillars
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Unity
Effective Communication Global Collaboration
As a business we unite through our effective communications and transparency of operations. We work together to deliver our objectives and priorities.
ICE Pharma company culture is strong and is continually reinforced through global collaboration as we benefit from our diverse cultures, share our knowledge and experiences and grow together.
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Evolution
Strategic Action Continuous Transformation
Our decisions are carefully considered as we position our business for long term growth and continuous but sustainable transformation.
Taking a big picture view, we encourage critical thinking and exploring best practice to drive continuous improvement and capture new opportunities.
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Achievement
Leading By Influence Enabling Performance Valuing Personal Growth
Managers lead through influence and ownership of decisions and follow through with our commitments.
We create an environment where employees are valued, accountable and we enable their performance and success.
Employee input is encouraged, and we celebrate employee achievements.
As a professional organisation, we encourage career progression and provide the support for staff to reach their full potential.
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