REGULATORY

Japan Panel Backs Nonprescription Switch of Second Emergency Contraceptive

February 4, 2026
A panel under Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) on February 2 endorsed the nonprescription switch of Fuji Pharma’s emergency contraceptive containing levonorgestrel — the second such product to receive backing for OTC access in the country. The…

To read the full story

Related Article

REGULATORY

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) on March 5 unveiled the revised NHI prices for drugs subject to…

By Kohei Hori

Japan’s pharmaceutical industry could be on the verge of gaining a stronger voice in the Central Social Insurance Medical Council…

By Philip Carrigan

Let’s face it: in today’s world, changing jobs is a normal part of a successful career. But if it’s so normal, why does it feel so hard? For many people, the idea of leaving their current role brings a heavy…

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…