New Expectations for Heat Exhaustion Countermeasures: Development of POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY Focusing on Core Temperature
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
| Publication date | March 11, 2020 (Posted on July 8, 2022) |
|---|---|
| Sector | Human Health |
Company Overview
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. was established in 1964. With a corporate philosophy of contributing to the health of people around the world, the company operates as a total health care company that addresses to "cure disease" and "protect everyday health. " The company is engaged in the research, development, production, and marketing of innovative and creative products through our two core businesses: “pharmaceutical business that provides breakthrough treatments for patients around the world” and “nutraceutical business that provide products to make healthy people become even healthier.”
Climate Change Impacts
As the rise in summer temperatures has become a major social issue in the recent years, countermeasures against heat exhaustion have become a serious issue for people who are susceptible to the effects of hot environments, such as senior citezens whose body temperature control functions are impaired, or children whose body temperature control is underdeveloped, and athletes and workers who are highly active.
Adaptation Initiatives
[Products and Technologies]
We developed POCARI SWEAT in 1980 based on the concept of "perspiration beverage" using our expertise as a pharmaceutical company, since we were originally involved in the production of IV fluids used in hospitals. Since its launch, POCARI SWEAT has been the subject of ongoing research on replenishing the fluids and electrolytes (ions) lost through perspiration, and has accumulated scientific evidence on its effectiveness in various scenes. In 2018, POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY, which focuses on controlling the increase in core temperature (the temperature inside the body), was introduced based on our know-hows accumulated through heat stroke research. Ice slurry is a fluid beverage consisting of a mixture of ice particles and liquid, and is considered to have a better cooling effect on the body than liquid water alone because it can supply electrolytes and cool the body at the same time, and the heat will be absorbed through the specific heat of water and the phase of change from solid (ice) to liquid. We propose a new solution to heat stroke that cannot be solved by hydration alone, by realizing "drinkable ice" with our original technique of freezing the liquid, that can be stored at room temperature, into slurry (Fig. 2, 3).
[Project Details]
We have been conducting seminars on heat stroke for more than 25 years, and employees visit work sites as an activity to share their knowledge and expertise on heat stroke countermeasures. We provide a wide range of opportunities to learn about the importance of heat stroke countermeasures, not only for athletes and instructors, but also for people who work in hot environments and the senior citizens. We are also actively promoting the intake of fluid and electrolytes (ions) through our support for sports events such as the National Junior High School Sports Festival, the National High School Sports Festival, and the National Sports Festival (Fig. 4). In recent years, we have also made cooperative agreements with prefectures to conduct seminars on heat stroke prevention in collaboration with local governments and to provide information through posters, booklets, and other media in an effort to prevent heat stroke.
Effects / Expected Benefits
In addition to adequate hydration, we propose a new concept and solution that controls the rise in core body temperature, a primary factor of heat stroke, with POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY. We will continue our efforts to achieve zero heat strokes by raising awareness of specific risks and providing countermeasures for people, including those who we were unable to reach before. We will continue to use the scientific evidence and new perspectives we have accumulated as a pharmaceutical company to further reduce the occurrence of heat stroke.
