Japan’s cost-effectiveness assessment (CEA) panel has approved a revised handling policy for the CEA system for FY2026, with the health…
REGULATORY
MHLW Outlines 4 Key Themes for 2026 Reform, Eyes OTC-Like Meds, CEA for Efficiency
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) on October 23 unveiled four guiding perspectives for formulating a basic policy for the FY2026 reimbursement reform, explicitly signaling a review of insurance coverage for “OTC-like drugs” and the use of cost-effectiveness…
To read the full story
Related Article
- MHLW Names 77 Active Ingredients for OTC-Like Drug Charges
December 26, 2025
- OTC-Like Drugs Left in Limbo as Panel Debates Cost-Sharing without Clear Policy Signal
December 19, 2025
- Panel Backs Extra Charges for OTC-Like Drugs While Keeping Coverage, but Design Details Still Divisive
November 28, 2025
- Patient Groups Push Back against Delisting OTC-Like Drugs; Panel Leans Toward Higher Copays
November 21, 2025
- MHLW Weighs Higher Copay Ratios for LLPs; 1/2 to Full Gap on the Table
November 7, 2025
- MHLW Panel Launches Full Debate on Drug Coverage Reform; LLPs, Biologics, OTC-Like Meds in Focus
October 17, 2025
- Panel Split on Delisting OTC-Like Drugs from Insurance Coverage
October 3, 2025
- Panel Flags Concern over Drug-Only Focus in Proposed Cost-Cuts for 2026 Reform
September 29, 2025
REGULATORY
- Unpacking “MFN”: Japan Listed as Reference Country in US Pricing Models
April 16, 2026
- MHLW to Set Criteria for Exemptions under OTC-Like Drug Charge Scheme
April 16, 2026
- MHLW Taps Kawabata to Lead Drug Discovery Support Office
April 15, 2026
- MHLW Reviewing EMIS Data on Petro-Product Supply to Medical Institutions
April 15, 2026
- Japan Panel to Review Ferring Gene Therapy, Fujifilm Cell Product on April 20
April 14, 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…
Japan’s FY2026 drug pricing reform is set to usher in a new phase for the generics market, effectively bringing an…
Japan’s Central Social Insurance Medical Council (Chuikyo) on November 5 approved the reimbursement listing for a slate of new medicines,…
The Japanese government on March 7 announced new NHI prices to be applied in the FY2025 drug price revision, revealing…
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 all-important reimbursement policy panel on December 20 approved an outline of drug pricing reforms for FY2024, which enshrines a…