Public and Private Sectors to Showcase the Evolution of the Japanese Market and Clinical Trial Environment at the “BIO International Convention 2026” Enhancing the Japanese Market and Its Clinical Trial Environment – New Opportunities for Global Start-ups
On June 22, 2026 (U.S. local time), at the “BIO International Convention 2026”—the world’s largest partnering event for the biohealthcare industry, held in San Diego, U.S.—the JPMAhosted a panel discussion titled “Enhancing the Japanese Market and Its Clinical Trial Environment – New Opportunities for Global Start-ups.”
This session was organized to introduce the latest trends in Japan’s pharmaceutical market and clinical development environment to overseas biotech companies and investors, with the aim of promoting investment and business expansion in Japan. Approximately 100 participants gathered at the venue, demonstrating high expectations and interest in Japan’s drug discovery environment.
The session was moderated by Asuka Miyabashira, Chairperson of the JPMA, and featured speakers from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), and Remiges Ventures, a venture capital firm operating in both Japan and the United States.
Changes in Japan’s Operating Environment and Initiatives to Strengthen Drug Discovery Capabilities
At the outset, JPMA Chairperson Miyabashira highlighted that Japan is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical markets and possesses a high-quality healthcare system and excellent basic research capabilities.At the same time, there was a shared understanding that insufficient international awareness of the Japanese market and related systems acts as a barrier to foreign companies’ decisions to enter the market and can be a contributing factor to drug lag and drug loss.
Next, Mr. Masahiro Mori (at the time), Director-General for Pharmaceutical Industry Promotion and Medical Information in the Minister’s Secretariat of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, explained that the Japanese government positions the drug discovery industry at the core of its national growth strategy.At the “Japan Growth Strategy Council (Drug Discovery and Advanced Medical Care Working Group)” held in July 2026, discussions focused on strengthening the drug discovery ecosystem, human resource development, the utilization of AI and data,and the development of clinical trial infrastructure. The goal was to strengthen Japan’s drug discovery capabilities by rapidly commercializing research outcomes and expanding into global markets, while leveraging the country’s strengths in basic research and high-quality clinical trial environments.Furthermore, regarding Japan’s market for patented drugs, a policy was outlined to achieve growth on par with the G7 average (excluding Japan) annual market growth rate of 9.6 percent.
Systems and Support Measures Underpinning Entry into the Japanese Market
Akihiro Ishiguro, Director of the PMDA Washington, D.C. Office, introduced support measures for overseas companies considering entry into the Japanese market.
The PMDA Washington, D.C. Office disseminates information on Japan’s regulatory system and provides consultation services. It supports overseas companies’ entry into the Japanese market by introducing development support programs for pediatric medicines and orphan drugs, as well as providing consultation on new therapeutic modalities.
In addition, the “ENSEMBLExJ” project, which supports the conduct of international clinical trials in Japan, was introduced. This project is being developed as a one-stop mechanism to provide consultation and coordination services for overseas companies conducting development in Japan, and is expected to further streamline drug development in Japan.
Mr. Hirokazu Shimoda, a coordinator at AMED, explained initiatives aimed at translating Japanese research findings into practical applications. In particular, the “Drug Discovery Venture Ecosystem Strengthening Project (V-Eco),” which aims to foster drug discovery startups, supports commercialization by providing matching funds for investment projects by certified venture capital firms in Japan and abroad.This initiative was highlighted as a key effort to connect Japanese innovations with the global market.
Mr. Takaaki Momohara, a partner at Remiges Ventures—which is also an accredited VC under the V-Eco initiative—introduced the company’s efforts to support the exploration, evaluation, and verification of drug discovery leads held by universities and pharmaceutical companies, through RDiscovery, a company established by Remiges Ventures in 2021, all the way through to early-stage development and commercialization.For promising leads, the firm also participates in fundraising and the launch of drug discovery ventures, playing a key role in transforming Japan’s outstanding research achievements into valuable businesses in the global market by supporting the establishment of management structures and strengthening governance.
Panel Discussion: Why Japan Now?
During the panel discussion, there was a lively exchange of views on the strengths of the Japanese market and its future growth potential.
In the discussion themed “Japan’s Strengths and Areas Expected to See Further Growth,” panelists noted that, in addition to Japan’s world-class basic research capabilities, Japan’s competitiveness is underpinned by startups possessing promising leads,the technical expertise of master craftsmen who focus on a single task and produce outstanding results, the relationships of trust cultivated among stakeholders in industry, academia, and government, and the government’s strong commitment to strengthening drug discovery capabilities as key strengths underpinning Japan’s competitiveness.
Furthermore, regarding “the value that entering the Japanese market or investing in Japan brings to biotech companies,” government support measures such as V-Eco, the conditional approval system for cell and gene therapy products, and the priority review system for orphan drugs were introduced. These systems were highly praised as mechanisms that promote the practical application of innovative technologies and therapies.
Furthermore, it was noted that, in addition to Japan’s advantages—such as its superior manufacturing technology, research infrastructure, and access to high-quality datasets—foreign companies can bring their experience in global development and fundraising to Japan, enabling both sides to build complementary partnerships by leveraging each other’s strengths.
Making Japan a “Preferred Market”
During this session, each speaker reaffirmed their commitment to actively engaging in dialogue with overseas biotech companies.
The session left a strong impression on many participants due to the commitment of the public and private sectors to work together to strengthen the drug discovery ecosystem and develop Japan into a “preferred market,” a “preferred development hub,” and a “preferred investment destination.”