BUSINESS
    Fycompa Generics Head for Summer Launch as Key Patent Expires
    By Shinya Sato June 23, 2026
    The first generic versions of Eisai’s antiepileptic Fycompa (perampanel hydrate) are set to enter the Japanese market this summer after securing NHI listing on June 12, with a key substance patent expiring just days earlier.The…

    LATEST

    Carvykti Earlier Use Up for Japan Panel Review on June 29
    June 23, 2026
    A Japanese health ministry panel will meet on June 29 to discuss whether to recommend approval for Janssen Pharmaceutical’s CAR-T cell therapy Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) for earlier-line use in multiple myeloma.Carvykti is a B-cell maturation…
    Kampo Industry Calls for Predictable Drug Pricing to Support Stable Supply
    June 23, 2026
    Industry representatives have called for a more predictable drug pricing system for prescription Kampo products, warning that rising costs are threatening the stable supply of these medicines.The comments were made at a June 22 meeting…
    ASKA’s Relugolix Combo Hits Primary Goal in Japan PIII Fibroid Study
    June 23, 2026
    ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings said on June 22 that its subsidiary ASKA Pharmaceutical met the primary endpoint in the Japan PIII LUNA1 study of AKP-022, a combination therapy comprising relugolix, estradiol, and norethindrone acetate, in patients…

    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

    Adaptation, Diversification Key as Drug Wholesalers Face Profit Squeeze
    By Tatsuya Otsuka

    Japan’s leading pharmaceutical wholesalers are bracing for a second consecutive year of profit declines, underscoring the growing challenge of generating…

    COLUMN

    More Positions, More Candidates: A Snapshot of Movement in Japan’s Pharma Industry
    By Philip Carrigan

    Recent trends are creating a fascinating push-and-pull effect in the talent market. We’re seeing more positions opening up, but also a greater number of candidates available, particularly in the fields of rare diseases and oncology. This “more positions, more candidates”…

    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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