BUSINESS
    Eylea Bio-AG Snags 60% Share in Just 3 Months, Outpacing Biosimilar
    By Shinya Sato May 29, 2026
    The biologic authorized generic (bio-AG) version of Bayer's age-related macular degeneration drug Eylea (aflibercept) captured some 60% of the aflibercept 40 mg/mL market by volume within three months of launch, roughly tripling the biosimilar’s share,…

    LATEST

    Global Pharma CEOs Urge Japan PM to Boost Support for Innovative Drugs
    May 29, 2026
    Global pharmaceutical CEOs have called on Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to increase government support for innovative medicines, warning that the country risks falling further behind in access to new drugs.More than 20 top executives…
    FRONTEO, Scohia Team Up on AI-Driven Indication Discovery
    May 29, 2026
    Tokyo-based AI specialist FRONTEO will use its proprietary AI drug discovery platform to search for new indications for compounds held by Scohia Pharma under a collaboration announced on May 28.The partnership will leverage the Drug…
    Finance Minister Backs Further Debate on Low-Risk Medicines: CEFP Minutes
    May 29, 2026
    Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama signaled a willingness to deepen discussions on measures involving commonly used medicines for minor symptoms and low-risk medical care, according to minutes from a government panel meeting released on May…

    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

    Are Technical Discussions Enough for Japan’s CEA System?
    By Ken Yoshino

    Japan is finally launching technical discussions on its cost-effectiveness assessment (CEA) system. A health ministry-funded research group is set to…

    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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