The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) on March 29 granted orphan drug designation to six APIs including Novartis’ Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and Mekinist (trametinib) for a new indication. Tafinlar and Mekinist were both designated for the treatment of BRAFV600-mutated…
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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
April 30, 2026
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…





