The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) on October 11 withdrew orphan drug designation for two drugs including Chugai Pharmaceutical’s Actemra (tocilizumab) for the treatment of systemic scleroderma, SSc.Actemra was granted the orphan status for the SSc indication in…
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REGULATORY
- MHLW Issues Q&A on Conditional Approval System
May 1, 2026
- Panel Backs Proposal to Allow Antibody Drugs Like Beyfortus in NIP
May 1, 2026
- METI Clarifies Naphtha Comments, Reaffirms Medical Priority
April 30, 2026
- Japan Minister Rules Out Full Self-Pay for OTC-Like Drugs
April 30, 2026
- Govt’s Bio-WG Wraps Up Biopharma Investment Roadmap Draft
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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…





