We're pleased and excited to launch this feed and join the online conversation! We invite you to follow us! pic.twitter.com/wj6jEdQagQ

— OtsukaUS (@OtsukaUS) May 23, 2016

Otsuka's US operations have joined Twitter, catching up with many of their Japanese peers.

Taking a practical approach to potential pitfalls with the medium the firm has compiled a straightforward set of Twitter guidelines and used as its pinned tweet details of how to report side effects.

Many of Otsuka's fellow Japanese pharma companies have been using Twitter for some time, with Daiichi Sankyo making the most extensive use with seven accounts, including ones for Europe, Spain and Brazil.

Astellas also makes wide use of the social media platform, with accounts that include its US corporate operations, a publications-based account and one for the cycling team it sponsors.

Takeda, meanwhile, is rather more focused, opting for a corporate account and one for the corporate communications team of its US oncology operations.

Some of the main Japanese pharma companies on Twitter

@AstellasUS
@AstellasPubs
@astellascycling
@AstellasINNOV8
@AstellasFDN
@AstellasCZ

@EUdaiichisankyo
@DaiichiSankyoES
@DaiichiSankyoJP
@DaiichiSankyoBr
@DaiichiSankyo
@DaiichiSankyoUK [Tweets protected]

@OtsukaUS

@TakedaPharma
@TakedaOncology

Digital inspiration for pharma on mobile, social media, strategy, best practice, regulations and more