BUSINESS
    Sanofi Eyes Double-Digit Annual Growth for Japan Vaccine Business: Exec
    By Hayate Horiguchi May 20, 2026
    Sanofi aims to lift the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of its vaccine business in Japan into the double digits over the next seven to eight years, betting on the expanded uptake of its RSV…

    LATEST

    Japan to Start CEA Technical Discussions as Early as May 25
    May 20, 2026
    Japan is set to begin as early as May 25 technical discussions on the review of its cost-effectiveness assessment (CEA) system, with part of the meetings now likely to be opened to the public.The Ministry…
    LDP Study Group’s Honebuto Proposal Urges “Freeze” on On-Patent Drug Price Cuts
    May 20, 2026
    A Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) policy study group on May 19 finalized a draft set of recommendations for the government’s upcoming honebuto policy and growth strategy, including calls to “freeze” price cuts for patent-protected medicines.The…
    Takeda Hit with Massive Damages Verdict in US Amitiza Antitrust Case
    May 20, 2026
    A US federal jury on May 18 awarded US$884.9 million in damages against Takeda Pharmaceutical in a US antitrust lawsuit, alleging that it improperly delayed generic competition for the constipation drug Amitiza (lubiprostone). The company…

    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

    Shift Underway in Pharma Workforce as Sales Roles Shrink, Manufacturing Rises
    By Hayate Horiguchi

    Japan’s pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a structural shift in its workforce, with the role of sales reps shrinking while production…

    COLUMN

    The Patient North Star: How Gilead Japan Redefined Innovation
    By Philip Carrigan

    In the complex landscape of the Japanese pharmaceutical market, the “status quo” is often the safest harbor. But for leaders like Kennet Brysting, former president of Gilead Japan, the status quo is the most dangerous place to stay.Innovation in Japan…

    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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