Japan’s health ministry on May 23 granted orphan drug designation for eight APIs including Ono Pharmaceutical’s cancer drug Opdivo (nivolumab) for a new indication and Pharming Technologies’ PI3Kδ inhibitor leniolisib. Opdivo was designated for the proposed indication of unresectable, advanced/relapsed…
To read the full story
REGULATORY
- LDP Project Team Flags Drug Pricing as Key to Investment
March 19, 2026
- Japan Sets Up Radiopharma Discovery Hub in Fukushima, Targets Rare Cancers
March 18, 2026
- MHLW Seeks Industry Survey on Petroleum-Linked Products amid Iran Crisis
March 18, 2026
- MHLW Orders Label Revisions for Antiepileptics and Other Drugs
March 18, 2026
- MHLW Panel OKs Draft Criteria for “Specified Medical Technologies”
March 17, 2026
I recently sat down with one of the leading medical directors in Japan to discuss the critical evolution of the medical science liaison (MSL) role.The MSL has transformed from a scientific resource into a strategic partner essential for successful product…





