The Japanese health ministry on September 15 granted orphan drug designation to four APIs including Novartis Pharma’s BRAF inhibitor Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and MEK inhibitor Mekinist (trametinib).Tafinlar and Mekinist were designated for the treatment of BRAFV600-mutated relapsed or refractory hairy cell…
To read the full story
REGULATORY
- 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
- Growth Strategy Council WG Weighs Incentives for Clinical Trial Sites
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…





