1. Pink Sheet
  2. >>Geography
  3. >>Asia
  4. >>Japan

Fear of Unpredictability: Industry Criticises Japan’s Frequent Pricing Rule Changes

United Call For Reforms

 
• By Lisa Takagi

While Japan enters annual drug price revisions with frequent regulation changes, several major corporate players in the country warn again that government policies mean that the country is at risk of “losing attractiveness.”

Japan's frequent regulation changes
Japan's frequent changes to drug pricing rules provoke discussions • Source: Shutterstock

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) have made a joint statement for the first time on the need for Japan to improve its policies related to the biopharmaceutical industry.

During a PhRMA press conference in Tokyo held the same day as the 16 May statement, the US group urged...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Japan

Welireg Among Japan Recommendations; Economic Policy Raises Hopes Of Higher Prices

 
• By Lisa Takagi

Country recommends eights new drugs for approval, including six for rare diseases, and also announces macroeconomic policy the pharma industry says would enable some reimbursement prices to be raised.

Citeline Japan Awards 2025 - Enter Now!

 
• By Ian Haydock and Lisa Takagi

The 14 July deadline for the Citeline Japan Awards 2025 in Tokyo is approaching fast, so here's a reminder to take a look at the categories and criteria and be sure to get your submissions in by this date. Sponsorship opportunities and tables for the event are also available.

Crisis Or Opportunity? US MFN Policy Could Test Japan’s Appetite For Reforms

 
• By Lisa Takagi

While the adoption of most favored nation drug pricing in the US stands to affect Japanese biopharma firms now heavily reliant on this market, it might also present an opportunity for pricing and policy reforms at home.

Japan Price Cuts For Epkinly and Lunsumio Following CEA

 
• By Lisa Takagi

Japan is cutting more drug reimbursement prices following cost effectiveness analysis and is applying the methodology to a new group of products including Wegovy and Leqembi.

More from Asia

To Compete With China, US FDA Must Deregulate Early Gene Therapy Studies, CAR-T Inventor Says

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

FDA regulation was painted as an obstacle to US dominance in the cell and gene therapy space even as panelists at an agency event praised the Office of Therapeutic Products' track record under Nicole Verdun.

New Era Begins In Korea: Policy Predictions For Biopharma

 
• By Jung Won Shin

As South Korea's new president immediately gets to work on setting initial policies, essential drug supplies, R&D incentives and AI-driven digital healthcare are among the key topics in focus.

Australia Looks To Modernize Human Tissue Laws, Improving Access For Researchers

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Australia is reviewing its human tissue laws for the first time in almost 50 years, and is hoping to reduce barriers to access for scientific researchers, for instance by addressing issues with access to cell lines for developing drugs.