Japan’s cost-effectiveness assessment (CEA) panel has approved a revised handling policy for the CEA system for FY2026, with the health…
REGULATORY
Patient Groups Push Back against Delisting OTC-Like Drugs; Panel Leans Toward Higher Copays
Japan’s national health insurance panel signaled on November 20 that removing “OTC-like” prescription drugs from coverage would be difficult, after patient organizations unanimously warned against delisting the medicines. While rejecting full exclusion, several groups indicated they could accept higher copayments…
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
- Japan Moves LLP Payment Hike toward Political Call, Eyes 1/2 or Higher
December 18, 2025
- Panel Backs Extra Charges for OTC-Like Drugs While Keeping Coverage, but Design Details Still Divisive
November 28, 2025
- Govt Weighs Additional Copays for OTC-Like Drugs in Economic Package
November 19, 2025
- Chuikyo Split over Higher Copays under LLP Scheme; Payer Push Meets Provider Caution
November 17, 2025
- MHLW Weighs Higher Copay Ratios for LLPs; 1/2 to Full Gap on the Table
November 7, 2025
- MHLW Outlines 4 Key Themes for 2026 Reform, Eyes OTC-Like Meds, CEA for Efficiency
October 24, 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
- DMD Gene Therapy Elevidys Cleared for NHI Listing at 305 Million Yen
February 13, 2026
- MHLW Orders Label Revisions for Vyxeos, Inlyta, Imbruvica, and More Drugs
February 13, 2026
- MHLW Orders Label Revisions for Sulfite-Containing Medical Products
February 13, 2026
- PMDA Urges Proper Use of Colchicine, Advises against High-Dose Administration
February 12, 2026
- PMDA to Offer Priority Consultations for Overseas Startups
February 12, 2026
Japan’s health and finance ministers agreed late last year to go ahead with an “off-year” drug price revision in FY2027,…
The Japanese healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth, demanding a highly skilled and diverse workforce. However, finding and attracting the best talent in this competitive market presents significant challenges.Enter AI. With the rise of AI-powered tools, healthcare organizations can revolutionize…
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…