Photo/Illutration Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co.’s Benikoji Coleste Help, a supplement containing the benikoji ingredient (Provided by the company)

Scandal-hit Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. announced April 25 it will begin covering the medical expenses of people who developed health problems after taking its dietary supplements made with benikoji red yeast.

The Osaka-based company pledged to cover medical expenses and transportation costs of those who purchased and consumed the products from July 2023 onward and have been diagnosed with kidney-related diseases or other symptoms.

Patients will be eligible for reimbursement if a doctor diagnoses a reasonable connection between the supplements and the symptoms.

Payment will be made after the completion of medical treatment.

Even if no health problems have emerged, customers who consumed the products will be reimbursed for the initial consultation fee at the hospital and medical examination costs as well as transportation expenses.

As of April 24, at least five individuals had died and 257 people were hospitalized after consuming the company’s Coleste Help and two other supplements containing the benikoji malted rice ingredients touted as helping to lower cholesterol levels.

Although the exact compounds that caused the health problems are still under investigation, the drug maker decided to proactively initiate a reimbursement program to address the potential for a lengthy investigation.

For inquiries, customers who made over-the-counter purchases should call 0120-880-220. Those who made purchases through the company’s online store should call 0120-58-5090.

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