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Japan Gene Therapies Progress In Post-Zolgensma World

Otsuka, Others Move Forward In Supportive Environment

 
• By Ian Haydock

The recent reimbursement and launch of Zolgensma showed Japan willing and able to approve and pay for gene therapies, and others including from Otsuka/Takara Bio are moving forward under a supportive regulatory framework.

Gene editing genes therapy concept with nurse and DNA lab technician medical laboratory
Multiple Gene Therapies Edge Forward In Japan • Source: Shutterstock

While Novartis AG’s Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) was not the first gene therapy to be commercialized in Japan, its pricing and launch in May marked a watershed moment as it became the single most expensive therapeutic product to be reimbursed by the country’s national health insurance scheme.

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