REGULATORY
MHLW to Brand OTC-Like Drug Cost Rule as “Partially Non-Insured Care”
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) plans to introduce a new patient cost-sharing framework for so-called “OTC-like” prescription drugs under the name of “partially non-insured medical care,” Jiho has learned. The scheme will be incorporated into a bill…
To read the full story
Related Article
- MHLW Panel Calls for Careful Design of OTC-Like Drug Charge System
March 23, 2026
- Japan Cabinet Approves Health Insurance Bill with OTC-Like Drug Charges
March 16, 2026
- LDP Health Panel Approves Health Insurance Bill with OTC-Like Drug Charges
March 5, 2026
- LDP Panel Delays Approval of Health Insurance Bill amid Concerns over OTC-Like Drug Charges
February 26, 2026
- MHLW Names 77 Active Ingredients for OTC-Like Drug Charges
December 26, 2025
REGULATORY
- Japan Approves Wegovy MASH Use, AstraZeneca’s Etcamah, Others
June 22, 2026
- Japan on Alert over US MFN Drug Pricing Policy: Health Minister
June 22, 2026
- Japan Restarts Deliberations on Routine Mumps Vaccination, Eyes FY2027 Rollout
June 22, 2026
- LDP Group Calls for Pediatric Cancer Drug Development Platform
June 22, 2026
- LDP Group Seeks Better Access to Advanced Eczema Care
June 22, 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…





