Kobayashi Pharma Probes 76 Deaths Linked to Supplements

Japan's health ministry has reported that an additional 76 deaths may be linked to Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co.'s red yeast rice supplement product. This brings the total number of suspected deaths associated with the product to 81, as the company had previously reported five fatalities. The ministry confirmed the deaths were caused by the supplement and is investigating the potential health risks.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has recalled the red yeast rice dietary supplements and is conducting an internal investigation. The company noted that many of the affected individuals had seen their doctors starting in January or later. Shares in the company fell 7% following the announcement. The National Institute of Health Sciences detected puberulic acid and two other compounds in the supplement, which are believed to have been produced by blue mold contamination during the manufacturing process. The health ministry is examining whether these compounds can cause renal disorders.