Alinamin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "the Company") today launched an official TikTok account for the emergency contraceptive "Lesoeru®72" (a Category 1 Specified Drug).
This account will feature awareness content designed to deliver correct information about emergency contraceptives in an easy-to-understand manner.
Three months after the over-the-counter availability of emergency contraceptives, the Company conducted a survey targeting 1,000 women aged 20 to 40 nationwide. The survey revealed that only 6.8% of respondents understood the mechanism of emergency contraceptives, and approximately 40% did not correctly recognize that they must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse. Furthermore, about 70% responded that they had not had sufficient opportunities to obtain information about emergency contraceptives, highlighting the need for appropriate information dissemination.
The Company aims to realize a society where individuals who need emergency contraceptives can make appropriate choices and take action based on correct knowledge in case of emergencies. To achieve this, it is important not only to provide the product but also to continue efforts to further improve access, disseminate correct knowledge, and create an environment where people can gather information and consult with peace of mind.
It is not uncommon for people to search for and gather information about emergency contraceptives only when they become necessary. However, in an emergency, there may be little time or psychological余裕, making it difficult to find the necessary information or leading to anxiety due to not knowing the appropriate course of action.
Therefore, by utilizing TikTok, which is frequently used by young people, we will deliver correct knowledge about emergency contraceptives, pregnancy, and contraception, as well as information on how to purchase them and consult with pharmacists, through short videos. This initiative aims to provide opportunities to encounter correct information before it becomes necessary and to create touchpoints with information in preparation for emergencies.
The official TikTok account will feature awareness content that can be viewed without hesitation, even by those who do not fully understand emergency contraceptives or their over-the-counter availability. Additionally, content design will consider psychological safety to ensure viewers can access information with peace of mind. Original characters, "Na-na" and "Ni-ni," will appear in the videos, conveying correct information about emergency contraceptives in an easy-to-understand way based on questions and voices received on social media, aiming for communication that supports those with anxieties.
Moving forward, the Company will continue to promote the creation of an environment where correct understanding of emergency contraceptives, pregnancy, and contraception spreads throughout society through various initiatives, including information dissemination to young people, including students. As a company that supports women's well-being, we will deliver "Lesoeru®72" with appropriate information and contribute to building a society where everyone can access necessary medicines when needed.
About the Official TikTok Account for Emergency Contraceptive "Lesoeru®72"
Account Name: "Lesoeru Penguin Corps"
First Post Date: July 2, 2026 (Thu)
URL: https://www.tiktok.com/@lesoeru_penguin
POINT1 User-Friendly Information Dissemination Creating Everyday Touchpoints
Information dissemination through short videos utilizing TikTok, which is easily accessible for young people in their daily lives.
Easy-to-understand content with a tone and manner that allows viewers to watch naturally without feeling pressured, avoiding an overly educational approach.
At the end of each video, important points are summarized as "Today's Memo," designed for easy review and saving when needed.
POINT2 Friendly Communication with Original Characters
Original characters "Na-na" and "Ni-ni" appear.
Based on the product concept of Lesoeru®72, the original characters are positioned as "allies for women" who support, empathize with, and provide a sense of security to women experiencing anxiety.
The structure involves the trainee member "Ni-ni" voicing the questions and anxieties of the target audience, and the leader "Na-na" gently explaining them.
POINT3 Content Design Reflecting Real Questions and Voices on Social Media
Video content is planned based on questions and anxieties frequently seen on social media and the web at the time of Lesoeru®72's launch.
In addition to basic information such as how to purchase and use the product, content will address psychological barriers such as "concern about others' eyes" and "difficulty in consulting."
<Examples of Questions and Anxieties>
"What is the success rate of contraception?"
"Are there side effects?"
"Will it make it harder to get pregnant in the future?"
"Is parental or partner consent required?"
"Is there an age limit?"
"How many times can it be taken?"
"Who can buy it and where?"
Original Characters "Na-na" and "Ni-ni"
Na-na and Ni-ni are members of the "Lesoeru Penguin Corps." Their mission is to rush to the aid of women in distress, support them, and convey the importance of taking the medication within 72 hours. Their base of operations is the "72 Operation Headquarters," designed to resemble a pharmacy counter. They train daily to be able to respond quickly in emergencies. They are gender-neutral beings.
【Na-na (Leader) - Left】
The leader of the Lesoeru Penguin Corps. Calm, kind, and knowledgeable. Gently embraces those with anxiety and explains things clearly. Her catchphrase is "~pen."
【Ni-ni (Trainee) - Right】
A new recruit of the Lesoeru Penguin Corps. Though clumsy and prone to mistakes, she is a hard worker who puts her all into everything. She voices the viewers' questions and anxieties to Leader Na-na and takes notes on what she learns. Her catchphrases are "~ni," "What's this?" and "Whaaat!?"
Survey Results on Emergency Contraceptives
Three months after the launch of the emergency contraceptive "Lesoeru®72," the Company conducted a survey on emergency contraceptives targeting 1,000 women aged 20 to 40 nationwide.
● Awareness of Emergency Contraceptives Reaches Approximately 90%, but About Half Have "Heard of It Casually." Awareness Varies Among 20s.
Regarding awareness of emergency contraceptives, approximately 90% (87.7%) were aware, with 40.1% having "knew the details" and 47.6% having "heard of it casually." However, more than half of these only had a "heard of it casually" level of awareness. Furthermore, 15.5% had experience using it, and 12.3% "had no knowledge at all."
Among those in their 20s, the usage rate of emergency contraceptives (morning-after pill) was the highest at 19.5%, meaning about 1 in 5 have used it. The proportion of those who "knew the details" was also the highest compared to other age groups, indicating high awareness. However, the proportion of those who "had no knowledge at all" was also the highest, showing significant variation in awareness even within the surveyed age groups.
● Approximately 40% Do Not Grasp the Need for Intake Within 72 Hours, Highlighting the Challenge of Promoting Understanding of Early Intake Importance.
When asked about the number of hours within which emergency contraceptives (morning-after pills) sold at pharmacies and drugstores must be taken "after failed contraception or unprotected intercourse," only 61.7% correctly answered "within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse." Nearly 40% answered 73 hours or more, or "don't know," revealing that they do not grasp the recommended timeframe for intake. There is a need to improve awareness and understanding of the importance of early intake, including "intake within 72 hours."
● Only 6.8% "Understand the Mechanism" of Emergency Contraceptives; Misconceptions May Hinder Appropriate Intake Decisions.
Furthermore, when asked about the mechanism by which emergency contraceptives (morning-after pills) prevent pregnancy, only 6.8% responded that they "understand the mechanism." On the other hand, 45.9% answered "have heard of it but don't know the details," and 47.3% answered "don't know at all," indicating that few people fully understand the mechanism of action. In fact, when presented with multiple explanations about the action of emergency contraceptives (morning-after pills) and asked to identify correct ones, only 42.0% correctly chose "inhibits/delays ovulation." Meanwhile, only 33.2% correctly identified the incorrect explanation "acts after conception (implantation) to terminate pregnancy," and only 28.6% correctly identified "makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus" as incorrect. This suggests that there are not a few misconceptions about the action of emergency contraceptives, and such misunderstandings could lead to viewing emergency contraceptives as something to be taken "after pregnancy is established" or missing the original timing of intake, potentially hindering appropriate decisions.
● Only 8.6% Had "Sufficient Opportunities to Obtain Information about Emergency Contraceptives"; Needs for SNS Utilization Among Young People.
When asked if they felt they had sufficient opportunities to obtain information on how to respond or obtain emergency contraceptives when needed, only 8.6% answered "yes." On the other hand, 67.8% answered "no," revealing that about 70% felt they had not had sufficient opportunities to obtain information.
Regarding where and how it is easy to learn about emergency contraceptives, "school education (classes/lectures)" (34.3%) was the highest, followed by "OB/GYN clinic/women's clinic web pages" (30.9%), "TV" (26.5%), and "school/work seminars/events" (26.0%). However, among those in their 20s, in addition to "school education (classes/lectures)" (32.7%) and "school/work seminars/events" (29.7%), "apps, company/hospital SNS accounts, etc." (27.6%) received higher support than other age groups. This indicates a relatively strong need for information dissemination through SNS, in addition to enhancing school education.
Voices of those who answered "no" (excerpt):
• Because it's not covered in detail in school. Unless you actively research it, you can't get detailed information. (26 years old)
• Because I've never learned correct knowledge from an expert over time in classes. (25 years old)
• When I actually need it and go to buy it at a pharmacy, I don't know the specific procedure, where it's located, or if I need to ask to buy it. (32 years old)
• I've never heard it from anyone and only learned about its existence through manga. (38 years old)
• You have to find out on your own; it's not taught in education. (44 years old)
● Less Than 20% Had Sufficient Opportunities to Obtain Knowledge About Pregnancy/Contraception, Highlighting a Lack of Opportunities for Knowledge Acquisition.
When asked if they felt they had sufficient opportunities to obtain knowledge necessary to protect themselves regarding pregnancy and contraception, only 19.7% answered "yes." On the other hand, 54.4% answered "no," and 25.9% answered "don't know," revealing that over half felt they had not had sufficient opportunities to acquire knowledge.
Looking at age groups, those who answered "had sufficient opportunities to obtain knowledge" were 21.6% in their 20s, 19.2% in their 30s, and 18.3% in their 40s. There was no significant difference between generations, with even the highest group in their 20s only reaching about 20%. This suggests that knowledge about pregnancy and contraception is not adequately provided across all age groups, indicating a lack of opportunities for knowledge acquisition itself.
Voices of those who answered "no" (excerpt):
• I wasn't taught in detail about contraception or what to do in case of an emergency. (28 years old)
• What we learned in school was too early. I wish they'd teach it again around high school. (27 years old)
• I had a class like that in elementary school, but I don't think I was old enough to understand it well then. (28 years old)
• I learned a lot for the first time when I started trying to conceive, and I realized firsthand that sex education in school was very insufficient. (32 years old)
• Other than a vague explanation in school classes, I only learn from acquaintances. I think there are few opportunities to gain knowledge in Japan. (43 years old)
<Survey Overview>
Survey Name: Survey on Emergency Contraceptives Survey Period: May 29, 2026 (Fri) - June 1, 2026 (Mon)
Survey Method: Internet Survey Commissioned by: Rakuten Insight Target: 1,000 women aged 20-40 nationwide
*When publishing the survey results contained in this document, please contact us in advance and be sure to clearly state "Survey by Alinamin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd."
Product Overview
Product Name: "Lesoeru®72" (Category 1 Specified Drug)
Release Date: March 9, 2026 (Mon)
Contents: 1 tablet
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: ¥6,930 (tax included) (¥6,300 excluding tax)
Efficacy and Effect: Emergency contraception
<Notes related to efficacy and effect>
- This product cannot completely prevent pregnancy. - This product is for emergency use after failed contraception or unprotected intercourse, and taking it before intercourse cannot prevent pregnancy. - Pregnancy is still possible after taking this product, so please use appropriate contraception.
Dosage and Administration: Take 1 tablet of this product within 72 hours after intercourse, after receiving it from a pharmacist, and take it on the spot.
Active Ingredient: Levonorgestrel Content: 1.50 mg
Additives: Corn starch, Povidone, Sodium starch glycolate, Anhydrous silicic acid, Magnesium stearate, Lactose hydrate
Manufacturer: Fuji Yakuhin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Distributor: Alinamin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Inquiries from Customers: Alinamin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Customer Service Center 0120-567-087 Reception Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
<Inquiries from Media Regarding This Matter>
Alinamin Pharmaceutical Lesoeru®72 Media Inquiry Office (c/o Platinum Inc.) Tomonari / Shimohira / Mawari
Tel: 03-5572-6072 / Fax: 03-5572-6075 / E-mail: [email protected]
End
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 製品情報