The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) added six active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to a list of APIs for which a prescription-to-nonprescription switch has been requested by scientific societies, organizations, companies, and individuals. The list previously included 16 APIs…
To read the full story
Related Article
- MHLW Council Rejects OTC Switches of 4 Alzheimer’s Drugs
March 19, 2019
- MHLW Council Recommends Switching of 4 APIs; Switching of Levonorgestrel for Emergency Contraception Disapproved
July 28, 2017
- MHLW Announces 16 APIs as Candidates for Switch-OTC Status: None for Lifestyle Diseases
December 13, 2016
- New Scheme on Switch OTC Gets Underway
April 14, 2016
REGULATORY
- LDP Panel Finalizes Honebuto Proposal on Preventive Care, Adds Obesity Focus
June 5, 2026
- Ex-GSK Japan Head Calls for End to "Obsolete" 14-Day Prescription Limit
June 5, 2026
- Trazenta Generic Outlook Remains Clouded as Court Upholds Treatment-Method Patents
June 4, 2026
- LDP Generic Caucus Wants Swift Disclosure of Company Indicator Ratings
June 4, 2026
- LDP Social Security Panel Pushes Greater Reward for Innovation: Honebuto Proposal
June 3, 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…





