Verified Nov 2026
Electronics & Software
·

Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
·
Since 1890
Santen is a Japanese company headquartered in Osaka, founded in 1890 and listed publicly under ticker 4536.T. It employs between 1,000 and 5,000 people and reports revenue in the 1.8 billion band. Its work centers on ophthalmology, covering eye drugs and medical devices, and it serves the medical sector along with automotive, electric-vehicle, renewable-energy, and industrial-equipment markets. In October 2026, the company reported gaining Chinese distribution rights for five eye drops.
Santen at a glance
Revenue
1.8B
Employees
1,000-5,000
Founded
1890
Headquarters
Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Ownership
Publicly traded (JPX: 4536.T)
Certifications
ISO 13485 · ISO 14001
Import activity
4
Industries
Automotive
Electric Vehicles
Medical
Plumbing & Hardware
Renewable Energy
Industrial Equipment
Sourcing and import activity
From US customs bill-of-lading records
US sea imports
4
Named foreign suppliers
2
Top origins
Japan

Shared foreign counterparties do not establish that these companies buy from Santen.
What this tells a buyer
Santen's most recent reported development is the October 26, 2026 announcement of Chinese distribution rights for five eye drops, as reported by FromFinancials.
The company holds ISO 13485 and ISO 14001 certifications and lists its primary capability as electronics and software.
Santen is publicly traded, has operated since 1890, and its reported industries include medical and automotive sectors.
Source: US customs bill-of-lading records and public filings · Last verified Nov 05, 2026
STABILITY SIGNALS
Established & strong
136 years in operation (founded 1890).
Publicly listed; no distress event on record.
Holds ISO 13485, ISO 14001 certification(s) per public sources.
Overview
Santen is a Japanese company headquartered in Osaka, founded in 1890 and listed publicly under ticker 4536.T. It employs between 1,000 and 5,000 people and reports revenue in the 1.8 billion band. Its work centers on ophthalmology, covering eye drugs and medical devices, and it serves the medical sector along with automotive, electric-vehicle, renewable-energy, and industrial-equipment markets. In October 2026, the company reported gaining Chinese distribution rights for five eye drops.
At a glance
Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
Founded | 1890 |
Headquarters | Osaka, Osaka Prefecture |
Employees | 1,000-5,000 |
Revenue | 1.8B |
Ownership | Publicly traded (JPX: 4536.T) |
Primary capability | Electronics & Software |
Certifications | ISO 13485 · ISO 14001 |
What Santen makes
The company holds ISO 13485 and ISO 14001 certifications and lists its primary capability as electronics and software.
Products and capabilities described on the company's own site include LED, Seal (source: santen.com).
Certifications
Santen is associated with the following certifications in public sources. Confirm the certified scope for the specific plant producing your part:
ISO 13485 — santen.com
ISO 14001 — santen.com
Trade and customs footprint
Santen's most recent reported development is the October 26, 2026 announcement of Chinese distribution rights for five eye drops, as reported by FromFinancials. US customs bill-of-lading records list 4 inbound shipments across 2 foreign suppliers, with top origins including Japan.
Latest developments
2026-10-26 — Santen gains Chinese distribution rights for five eye drops | From Financials (fromfinancials.com)
2026-09-14 — Press Release | Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (santen.com)
2026-08-17 — News | Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (santen.com)
2025-12-03 — Santen and SERI Collaborate to Advance Disease-Modifying Therapies for Major Eye Diseases (santen.com)
2025-10-20 — Santen Korea Signs an Exclusive Promotion and Distribution Agreement for VEGF Inhibitors Beovu® and Lucentis® in the Republic of Korea (santen.com)
2025-09-30 — Santen and RemeGen Announce Biologic License Application (BLA) Acceptance for RC28-E Intravitreal Injection in Diabetic Macular Edema in China (santen.com)
Company details
Santen is publicly traded, has operated since 1890, and its reported industries include medical and automotive sectors. Santen was founded in 1890, has an estimated 1,000-5,000 employees, and is headquartered in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture. On the LightSource stability read it is rated "Established & strong": 136 years in operation (founded 1890). Publicly listed; no distress event on record. Holds ISO 13485, ISO 14001 certification(s) per public sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does Santen make?
Santen is a Japanese company headquartered in Osaka, founded in 1890 and listed publicly under ticker 4536.T. It employs between 1,000 and 5,000 people and reports revenue in the 1.8 billion band. Its work centers on ophthalmology, covering eye drugs and medical devices, and it serves the medical sector along with automotive, electric-vehicle, renewable-energy, and industrial-equipment markets. In October 2026, the company reported gaining Chinese distribution rights for five eye drops.
Where is Santen headquartered?
Santen is headquartered in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture.
When was Santen founded?
Santen was founded in 1890.
How big is Santen?
Santen has an estimated 1,000-5,000 employees, with revenue in the 1.8B range.
Is Santen publicly traded?
Publicly traded (JPX: 4536.T). Public financial figures are drawn from its filings.
What certifications does Santen hold?
Santen lists ISO 13485 · ISO 14001 on its website. Confirm the certified scope for the specific plant producing your part.
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Last verified Nov 2026. Is this your company? Request a correction.
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