REGULATORY

MHLW Panel Calls for Careful Design of OTC-Like Drug Charge System

March 23, 2026
Members of a Japanese health ministry panel on March 19 called for the careful design of a proposed charge system for “OTC-like” prescription drugs, while others voiced support for actively promoting the scheme. The call came at a meeting of…

To read the full story

Related Article

REGULATORY

Japan’s cost-effectiveness assessment (CEA) panel has approved a revised handling policy for the CEA system for FY2026, with the health…

By Philip Carrigan

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…

By Tatsuya Otsuka

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,…

By Ken Yoshino

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…