BUSINESS
    Human Judgment Still Key in the AI Era, Pharma Leaders Tell New Recruits
    By Kimi Orita April 2, 2026
    As Japan marked the start of its new fiscal year on April 1, a day when companies traditionally welcome fresh graduates, drug makers across the country held induction ceremonies, with top executives delivering a common…

    LATEST

    JPMA to Prepare Response to US “MFN” Policy under New Strategy Unit
    April 2, 2026
    The Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) said on April 1 that it will formulate a response to the US “most-favored nation” (MFN) drug pricing policy as part of its FY2026 plan, with a newly established…
    Five Groups Urge Action to Secure Medical Supplies amid Iran War
    April 2, 2026
    Five organizations, including the Japan Federation of Cancer Patient Groups, submitted a petition on April 1 to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), calling for measures to ensure the stable supply of medical…
    Gilead Names Andrew Hexter as Japan President
    April 2, 2026
    Gilead Sciences said on April 1 that Andrew Hexter has been appointed president of its Japan unit, effective the same day. He succeeds Kennet Brysting, who is stepping down after four years in the role…

    Chuikyo Debate on FY2026 Drug Pricing Reform

    Chuikyo OKs New CEA Handling, with Third-Party Verification Ahead

    Japan’s cost-effectiveness assessment (CEA) panel has approved a revised handling policy for the CEA system for FY2026, with the health…

    COMMENTARY

    Japan’s FY2026 R&D Tax Credit Reform Wins Broad Industry Backing
    By Sakura Kono

    Japan will overhaul its R&D tax credit regime in its FY2026 reform, introducing a new strategic category alongside existing frameworks.…

    COLUMN

    Strategic Talent Acquisition in the Japanese Life Sciences Sector: Your Market Intelligence Briefing
    By Philip Carrigan

    Focus: How to Get the Talent You Need in a Tough MarketThe Japanese life sciences sector presents a challenging landscape for global companies. To succeed, you must move beyond reactive hiring and adopt a truly strategic talent acquisition model. Our…

    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…

    NEWS CATEGORY

    REGULATORY

    BUSINESS

    ORGANIZATION

    ACADEMIA