BUSINESS
    Takeda Returns to Core Profit Growth, CEO Confident in Trajectory
    By Tatsuya Otsuka October 30, 2026
    Takeda Pharmaceutical is showing signs of a turnaround in its earnings, with core operating profit returning to growth on a constant exchange rate (CER) basis in the first half of FY2026 as cost-cutting measures gain…

    LATEST

    Novartis Japan President Pullicino to Step Down for Global Role
    October 30, 2026
    Novartis said on October 30 that its Japan president John Paul Pullicino will step down to take on a senior commercial leadership role at the Swiss drug maker’s headquarters in Basel.Pullicino will become chief commercial…
    Lilly’s Imulrio Reaches Japan Market 10 Months after Approval
    October 30, 2026
    Eli Lilly Japan launched its breast cancer drug Imulrio (imlunestrant) on October 30, some 10 months after receiving regulatory approval in Japan.The oral estrogen receptor antagonist is indicated for patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative ESR1-mutated unresectable…
    PMDA Halts Medical Device Application Platform after Unauthorized Access
    October 30, 2026
    Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) has suspended its online medical device application platform following unauthorized access, with no timetable for resuming operations as the regulator works to address system vulnerabilities.The PMDA announced the…

    COLUMN

    Japan’s Healthcare Pulse: An 18-Month Market Snapshot
    By Philip Carrigan

    Analysis of individual placements across 43 companies over the past 18 months paints a vivid picture of Japan’s evolving healthcare industry. This comprehensive snapshot illuminates current market demands, strategic shifts, and the enduring appeal of this pivotal Asian market.Rare Diseases…

    COMMENTARY

    Alzheimer’s Pipeline Looks Past Amyloid to Earlier Intervention, Tau Targets
    By Hayate Horiguchi

    The approval of Aβ-clearing antibodies like Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab) marked a landmark shift toward disease-modifying therapies in Alzheimer’s,…

    Cost Effectiveness Assessment (2025-)

    LDP Health Chief Demands CEA Overhaul, Backs Freeze on Price Cuts
    By Takashi Ebisawa

    Japan should fundamentally overhaul its cost-effectiveness assessment (CEA) scheme while putting a hold on CEA-based price adjustments, a new ruling…

    Off-Year Drug Price Revisions

    Japan to Weigh Necessary Measures for FY2027 Revision: PM

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on October 14 that the government will consider the necessary measures for the FY2027…

    Drug Approval & Reimbursement in 2026

    Imulrio Finally Set for NHI Listing after 296-Day Wait; Zero Rule Strikes Again
    By Takashi Ebisawa

    Eli Lilly’s breast cancer drug Imulrio (imlunestrant) is finally joining Japan’s NHI price list on October 14, nearly 300 days…

    FY2026 Drug Pricing Reform

    Romiplate to See Steepest Cut in April Market Expansion Re-Pricing

    Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) on March 5 unveiled the revised NHI prices for drugs subject to…

    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,…

    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…

    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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