Japan’s contract drug rep ratio rose to 8.7% in FY2024 as the total number of regular reps continued to fall, the Japan Contract Sales Organization Association (JCSOA) reported in June. Amid industry downsizing, the roles and expectations placed on contract…
REGULATORY
JMA Reps Oppose Reclassification of Epadel OTC despite No Serious ADR Reports: MHLW Safety Panel
Representatives from the Japan Medical Association (JMA) on a health ministry drug safety panel opposed on March 22 to reclassify a switch-OTC version of Mochida Pharmaceutical’s hyperlipidemia treatment Epadel (ethyl icosapentate), which is currently classified as a “behind-the-counter (BTC) drug”,…
To read the full story
Related Article
- Epadel OTC to Be Reclassified as “Class 1” Category under Stricter Rules on Sales: MHLW Panel
April 5, 2019
- At Request of JMA, Pharmacists to Be Required to Confirm that Buyers of Switch OTC Version of Epadel Had Medical Exam Before Purchase
January 15, 2013
- PAC Approves OTC Switching of Epadel
December 21, 2012
- MHLW to Initially Limit Number of Stores to Offer Epadel OTC
October 26, 2012
- PAFSC Committee Recommends Approval for Switch OTC Version of Epadel 2 Years after Frist Review
October 18, 2012
REGULATORY
- Japan Approves MSD’s 21-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine
August 8, 2025
- Public-Private Council WG to Focus on Innovation Evaluation for FY2026 Reform: Official
August 8, 2025
- Chuikyo Approves Insurance Coverage for 4 In Vitro Diagnostics
August 8, 2025
- Japan to Discuss Negative Margins, Packaging Optimization towards FY2026 Reform
August 8, 2025
- Medical Device Pricing Body Urges Clearer Evaluation Criteria for SaMDs Reimbursement
August 8, 2025
A recent conversation with a US biopharma senior director highlighted a critical talent gap: a strong demand for individuals with strategic management, critical thinking, and advanced business acumen-skills beyond traditional operational excellence. After the conversation, I rushed home and picked…
The Japanese government approved a bill to amend the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (PMD) Act at its Cabinet meeting on…
Japan’s health ministry doled out regulatory approvals for a throng of new medicines on December 27 including Eli Lilly’s obesity…
Japan’s key reimbursement policy panel on December 25 approved an outline of the FY2025 drug price revision, finalizing plans to…
For the first time in many years, Japan appeared to have pivoted to a pro-innovation path with the FY2024 drug pricing reform. All eyes were apparently on this course change as seen in this year’s most-read story list, though the…
A Japanese health ministry panel discussing the generic industry structure on May 22 put together a report in which it…
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) posted the final report compiled by its pharmaceutical regulation panel on its website on April 24, providing cases of drugs that could be exempted from all-case post marketing surveillance (PMS).The MHLW plans…
Japan’s all-important reimbursement policy panel on December 20 approved an outline of drug pricing reforms for FY2024, which enshrines a…
The Japanese health ministry’s expert panel tasked to discuss comprehensive policies for the rapid and stable supply of pharmaceuticals generally…