REGULATORY
    Patient Group Flags Risks of Inconsistent Decisions on OTC-Like Drug Charges
    By Kohei Hori August 28, 2026
    A patient group has sounded the alarm that physicians could reach varying decisions on who should be exempt from Japan’s upcoming additional charge for “OTC-like” prescription medicines, potentially leaving those with the same diseases facing…

    LATEST

    MHLW Tax Reform Requests Cover Support for MCM Preparedness
    August 28, 2026
    The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) on August 26 unveiled its tax reform requests for FY2027, including potential measures tied to government efforts to bolster infectious disease preparedness with medical countermeasures (MCMs).The government…
    MHLW Pharma Bureau Eyes 12 Billion Yen to Boost Plasma Product Production
    August 28, 2026
    The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s (MHLW) Pharmaceutical Safety Bureau has requested 33.49 billion yen for FY2027, more than triple its FY2026 budget, driven by a series of large new requests under the government’s…
    Sanofi Debuts Sarclisa SC, Cutting Dosing Time
    August 28, 2026
    Sanofi said on August 27 that it has launched the subcutaneous formulation of its multiple myeloma therapy Sarclisa (isatuximab) in Japan, offering a shorter administration time than the existing intravenous version.Sarclisa SC Injection 1400 mg…

    Chuikyo Debate on FY2026 Drug Pricing Reform

    Romiplate to See Steepest Cut in April Market Expansion Re-Pricing

    Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) on March 5 unveiled the revised NHI prices for drugs subject to…

    COMMENTARY

    Beyond Dupixent: Next Wave of COPD Biologics Takes Shape
    By Shinya Sato

    More than a year after Dupixent (dupilumab) became the first antibody therapy approved for COPD in Japan, drug makers are…

    COLUMN

    Why Your Brain Wants You to Stay (Even When You Want to Go)
    By Philip Carrigan

    A few weeks ago, I had coffee with a very talented executive. Let’s call him Kenji. He has a great job, a big salary, and a solid team. But he was unhappy. He felt bored and wanted a new challenge.…

    Drug Approval & Reimbursement in 2025

    Chuikyo OKs Listing of Novartis’ Pluvicto, Peak Sales Outlook at 42.1 Billion Yen

    Japan’s Central Social Insurance Medical Council (Chuikyo) on November 5 approved the reimbursement listing for a slate of new medicines,…

    Chuikyo Debate on Off-Year Drug Price Revisions

    MHLW Unveils New List Prices for FY2025 Revision; Stelara, Januvia Hit by PMP Return
    By Ken Yoshino

    The Japanese government on March 7 announced new NHI prices to be applied in the FY2025 drug price revision, revealing…

    Discussions on Next PMD Act Amendment

    Japan Cabinet Approves Bill to Amend PMD Act

    The Japanese government approved a bill to amend the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (PMD) Act at its Cabinet meeting on…

    Drug Approval & Reimbursement in 2024

    Japan Approves Zepbound, Qalsody, and Lots More Drugs

    Japan’s health ministry doled out regulatory approvals for a throng of new medicines on December 27 including Eli Lilly’s obesity…

    Chuikyo on FY2024 Reimbursement Reform

    Chuikyo OKs Outline of FY2024 Drug Pricing Reform; No Unprofitability Re-Pricing for 7%-Plus Price Gap

    Japan’s all-important reimbursement policy panel on December 20 approved an outline of drug pricing reforms for FY2024, which enshrines a…

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