China Approvals Rise But Conditional-To-Full Conversion Slips

 
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A new annual report from China's CDE shows a rise in overall product approvals but a fall in the transition rate for conditional to full approvals, possibly signalling more stringent requirements.

Japan Expands Priority R&D List For Regular Vaccinations

 
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Japan adds four new pediatric vaccines, including for MMRV and norovirus, to a list of priority vaccines eligible for assistance in regulatory processing.

Elevar/Hengrui’s Second US CRL A Bad Omen For Multiregional Trials In Asia-Dominant Cancers?

 

While CMC glitches linger over a US NDA for Elevar/Hengrui’s novel liver cancer combination following a second complete response letter, the separate issue of underrepresentation of US patients in multiregional trials is looming large after new FDA draft guidance last year.

China Signals Commercial Insurance, Biotech And Foreign-Owned Hospitals As Policy Priorities

 
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The main 2025 policy priorities for China's government as outlined in an annual report will include the strengthening of commercial insurance for innovative drugs and opening up cell and gene therapy and the hospital sector to foreign investment.


Japan Recommends Beyonttra, Raises Enhertu Price

 
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Japan recommends eight new drugs for approval, including two for cardiomyopathy, and will also raise prices for multiple products, including Enhertu, on 1 April.

Japan PM Delays Revision Of High-Cost Healthcare Benefit After Patient Protests

 
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A plan to reduce benefits under Japan's financial safety net for patients contributing to the costs of their long-term medical care is being reconsidered by the government following protests from patient and doctor groups.

Opposition Tempers Cuts To Japan’s High-Cost Healthcare Benefits

 
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Japan's MHLW has decided to tone down planned policy revisions that would have cut benefits under a patient support scheme for high-priced drugs, after resistance from patient groups.

Global Regulators Consider Extending Pilot On Post-Approval CMC Changes After Positive Findings

 

Regulatory authorities from multiple regions are considering extending a pilot project related to collaborative assessments of post-approval chemistry, manufacturing and controls changes, with a focus on the supply of critical medicines.


PhRMA Kicks Off Year Attacking China, Wrapping Agenda In American Flag

 

US pharma leadership is painting its mission, particularly its goal to end Medicare price controls, as patriotic and essential to America’s global dominance over China, a move that seems designed to align with President Trump’s priorities.

US Tariffs: With 50% Of US Generics From India, Industry Ponders If MAHA Will Trump MAGA

 
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US President Trump’s plan for a “25% or higher” tariff on pharmaceuticals promises to have a far-reaching impact, from higher prices and drug shortages to increased onshoring of manufacturing in the US. Is MAGA worth the chaos it might create for MAHA? The Indian industry shares its views.

Japan Set To Approve Broad Revisions To PMD Act

 
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Multiple, wide-ranging revisions to Japan's PMD Act, including provisions on pediatric R&D, use of real-world data and cell therapies, look set to receive formal political approval within the next few months. There is also more clarity on a controversial scheme to support venture companies.

Korea ‘Guide’ Program To Speed Select Innovative Products To Market

 
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In an ongoing effort to accelerate the commercialization of select innovative drugs and medical devices, Korea’s MFDS is launching a new program for certain products that will receive regular regulatory consultations until they reach the approval stage.


Gene Editing Therapy Casgevy Now Funded In 8 Countries But French Access Withdrawn

 

The world’s first CRISPR gene editing therapy, Casgevy, has been made available to patients with sickle cell disease in England, adding to access arrangements in the US, Austria, Bahrain, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy and Saudi Arabia.

What India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Norms May Mean For Clinical Trials, Big Pharma GCCs

 

Legal heavyweights from Nishith Desai Associates, Anand and Anand, Corporate Law Group and EY partner and national cyber leader talk about compliance requirements that pharma and global capability centers may need to consider as India strengthens the framework for the protection of digital personal data.

Japan Ships First Batch Of Mpox Vaccines To DRC

 
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Japan ships the first batch of 50,000 mpox vaccine doses to DRC after training local healthcare providers dealing with the persistent outbreak.

England’s NICE Leads Global Effort On Surrogate Endpoints For Cost-Effectiveness

 

Health technology assessment bodies in England, the US, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Colombia have joined forces to produce guidance for drug developers on using surrogate endpoints for cost-effectiveness analyses.


Japan In 2025: Policy Give, Pricing Take Set To Continue

 
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While Japan looks set to further improve policies to support ventures and ease market entry this year, these will contrast with ongoing reimbursement price controls.

Meiji Seika Pharma Files Lawsuit In Japan Over Kostaive Misinformation

 
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The Japanese pharma firm sued a politician, claiming defamatory actions on social media related to its novel COVID-19 vaccine.

Why Big Pharma Will Continue To Choose India For Clinical Research In 2025

 
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Faster approvals and regulatory flexibility are among moves India has made to draw clinical trial investments. As MNCs seek to replace products close to patent expiry with new blockbusters and domestic companies tap unmet needs, how will the R&D landscape shape up in 2025?

Broad New China Policies Aim To Improve Market Access

 
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China’s State Council has released a wide-ranging set of policy incentives intended to eliminate regulatory barriers and improve market access for innovative drugs.