BUSINESS
    Takeda Unveils Annual 200 Billion Yen Cost Savings by FY2028
    March 26, 2026
    Takeda Pharmaceutical said on March 25 that it aims to deliver more than 200 billion yen in annual gross savings by FY2028, outlining the next phase of its transformation following a major organizational overhaul announced…

    LATEST

    J-Pharma Goes Public on TSE, Eyes Licensing of LAT1 Inhibitors
    March 26, 2026
    J-Pharma debuted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Growth Market on March 25, as the biotech advances the development of two L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) inhibitors led by nanvuranlat (JPH203).At a press conference to…
    Asahi Kasei Banks on Tarpeyo to Hit 300 Billion Yen in Pharma Sales by FY2030
    March 26, 2026
    Japanese chemical conglomerate Asahi Kasei is positioning its IgA nephropathy drug Tarpeyo (budesonide) as a key growth driver as it works toward its goal of more than 300 billion yen in pharmaceutical sales by FY2030,…
    SanBio Targets Akuugo Shipments after May NHI Listing
    March 26, 2026
    SanBio said on March 25 that it expects its stem cell therapy Akuugo (vandefitemcel) to be listed for reimbursement in May, targeting commercial shipments sometime between August and January next year.Akuugo cleared a key regulatory…

    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

    A “Core Industry” in Name Only? Drug Pricing Reform Leaves a Sour Taste
    By Ken Yoshino

    Japan’s FY2026 drug price revision, officially announced on March 5, has landed poorly with the pharmaceutical industry — and the…

    COLUMN

    The Strategic MSL: Beyond Data Delivery, It’s About Impact
    By Philip Carrigan

    I recently sat down with one of the leading medical directors in Japan to discuss the critical evolution of the medical science liaison (MSL) role.The MSL has transformed from a scientific resource into a strategic partner essential for successful product…

    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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