Entered the field of assisted reproductive technology with the development and launch of "HFF99," the culture medium for in vitro fertilization and embryo culture.

Acquired the new Fuso Nihonbashi Building in Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, the city of medicine. Together, the Tokyo First Branch and Tokyo Office moved to the same building.

Entered the field of diagnostic agent with the development and launch of Hybrizep, a rapid in vitro diagnostic agent for bacterial infections, the same year.

The double bag line operation began at the Joto Factory.

Obtained exclusive domestic sales license for i-STAT300F.

Signed the joint sales agreement with Kaneka Medix Corporation for the adsorptive blood purification device Lixelle.

Developed the rapid detection method for food poisoning bacteria (Campylobacter) through an industry-academic collaboration with Osaka Prefecture University. Takara Bio Inc. granted worldwide manufacturing and marketing licenses.

Launched "Kindaly 4 Series" dialysate for hemodialysis.

Established the second formulation building at our Ibaraki Factory for the production of powder dialysate for hemodialysis.

Signed the joint sales agreement with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc., for the general-purpose blood gas analyzer, Rapid Lab 348EX, and other products.

Signed the co-promotion agreement with Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for the topical anesthetic Emla Cream.

Earnestly entered the field of assisted reproductive technology with the development and launch of the "HiGROW series" of products related to in vitro fertilization.

Succeeded in manufacturing and marketing approval of ACTIT, Veen-F, Veen-3G, and Veen-D injections from Kowa Company, Ltd.