BUSINESS
    Trazenta Faces Multiple Patent Challenges Ahead of Anticipated Generic Entry
    By Shinya Saito February 4, 2026
    Quick Look:A wave of patent challenges is underway before anticipated Trazenta generic entry in late 2026.Their results could shape the timing and scope of competition, with a key ruling due on February 9.Japanese generic makers…

    LATEST

    Sawai Cedes to Merck in Januvia Row, Accepts Patent Scope
    February 4, 2026
    Quick Look:Sawai has accepted Merck’s claims in a Tokyo patent suit over its Januvia generics.Generic entry is now likely on hold until patent expiry, though Sawai says its IP strategy is unchanged.Sawai Group Holdings has…
    Japan Launches Biotechnology Working Group, Roadmap Draft Due in April
    February 4, 2026
    Quick Look:Japan launched a new biotechnology working group, with industry urging stronger support for supply chains and financing.An investment roadmap is due as early as April and will feed into honebuto 2026 and the FY2027…
    Takeda, Kyoto University to End T-CiRA iPS Cell Program after 10 Years
    February 4, 2026
    Quick Look:Takeda and Kyoto University will end their 10-year iPSC research collaboration in March 2026.Key assets have been transferred to outside partners as Takeda exits cell therapy, though a future return is not ruled out.Takeda…

    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

    TSE’s Growth Market Reform Puts Pressure on Biotechs
    By Tatsuya Otsuka

    Japan’s biotech startups are coming under growing pressure as the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) tightens its rules for companies listed…

    COLUMN

    AI in Healthcare Hiring: Leveling the Playing Field & Unlocking Human Potential
    By Philip Carrigan

    The Japanese healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth, demanding a highly skilled and diverse workforce. However, finding and attracting the best talent in this competitive market presents significant challenges.Enter AI. With the rise of AI-powered tools, healthcare organizations can revolutionize…

    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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