2026 New Year’s Message
As we begin 2026, I would like to extend my sincere New Year’s greetings.
Looking back on last year, the environment surrounding the pharmaceutical industry has changed significantly. Overseas, the environment facing the globally operating pharmaceutical industry has become more uncertain than ever before, due to factors such as U.S. tariff measures, the need to comply with Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) treatment—which requires U.S. drug prices to be lowered to the lowest prices in other countries—and supply chain tensions caused by rising geopolitical risks.Domestically, there is a mountain of challenges to be addressed, including a decline in R&D capabilities, the widening of the “drug lag” and “drug loss,” supply uncertainties, and the ninth consecutive year of drug price cuts amid a trend of rising prices.
As a core and growing industry that underpins public health and economic security, the pharmaceutical sector is at a critical juncture where it is called upon to act with greater responsibility than ever before.For Japan to continue developing new drugs in the future, it is essential to review existing frameworks, embrace new ideas, and boldly drive innovation. With regard to the drug pricing system in particular, in addition to abolishing mid-year revisions, it is necessary to establish a system with high predictability and transparency so that Japan’s market is recognized as attractive by overseas stakeholders.In the “National Conference” to be established this year to facilitate public debate on the future of benefits and contributions within the social security system, it is crucial to consider not only the financial sustainability of social security but also the need to ensure access to innovation; as an industry, we will continue to make constructive proposals.
Furthermore, the Japan Growth Strategy Headquarters, established by the government last November, has clearly set forth the promotion of “strategic public-private partnership investments” to proactively address risks and social challenges, as well as “realizing the growth of the Japanese economy through products and services that contribute to solving global challenges.”Among the 17 priority investment areas, “Drug Discovery and Advanced Medical Care” and “Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology” have been designated as strategic fields. Moving forward, the JPMA will actively participate in these discussions from the perspective of strengthening the international competitiveness of Japan’s drug discovery sector and ensuring national security.
This is my first New Year as Chairman of the JPMA. Last year, through repeated earnest discussions and candid dialogues with many stakeholders, I was touched by the expectations and warm support for our industry, which served as a great source of encouragement.This year, just as a herd of galloping horses races across the land, we will prioritize speed and vigor while working with many of you to create value together under the concept of “Co-creation.”
Asuka Miyabashira, President, Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association