Japan

Alvotech has ticked off all of the remaining patent-related matters for its aflibercept biosimilar, with multiple market entries expected in 2026.

The leading Japanese generics player and local originator will collaborate on technology transfer, contract manufacturing and product succession as part of a cross-sector effort to strengthen supply chains for long-listed and off-patent medicines.

A deal for the Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment with Nxera is valued at up to $205m.

Viatris is entering the new year with several key achievements under its belt.

The Japan-headquartered group is seeking a new partner for a Phase II-ready GPR52 agonist.

Cellafa Bioscience, an Astellas-Yaskawa joint venture, uses Maholo robotic automation and AI to standardize cell therapy manufacturing, targeting GMP compliance within two years and global expansion.

Launched in April 2025, Astellas’s Innovation Lab unites fragmented research units under Morten Sogaard to pursue focused indications, a dual-track R&D strategy and tailored partnerships that balance innovation, risk and collaboration.

The Japanese pharma specialist has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a global specialty pharmaceutical company, driven by its first non-Japanese president at the helm.

Sawai’s settlement brings an end to a years-long legal battle over the manufacturing method for the firm’s generic teriparatide injection, following a court ruling that upheld Asahi Kasei’s process patent for its osteoporosis brand Teribone.

At recent conferences in Seoul, participants discussed various hurdles for growth in the Korean biotech ecosystem and potential opportunities such as the ongoing collaborations between Korea and Japan.

Alfresa Holdings, Kidswell Bio, Chiome Bioscience, and Taiwan’s Mycenax have formed a two-track alliance to accelerate Japan’s shift to domestically produced biosimilars.

Japan’s Itochu and Mochida Pharmaceutical have each acquired a 20% stake in local generics firm AND Pharma, pledging to help secure the Japanese supply chain and develop fresh distribution channels.