Drug Evaluation Committee What is Blockchain?
June 2020
Blockchain is known as the core technology behind Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency, but in recent years, its applications beyond cryptocurrencies have been actively explored.In the healthcare sector, not only are the FDA and various pharmaceutical companies exploring the use of blockchain, but service providers offering blockchain platforms as PaaS (Platform as a Service) are also actively seeking ways to apply the technology in this field.
While blockchain is a tool with the potential to solve various challenges in the healthcare sector, a proper understanding of its characteristics and limitations is necessary to utilize it effectively.
This report provides an explanation of the basic technology of blockchain and introduces the challenges associated with this technology, as well as case studies of its potential applications in the healthcare sector.We hope this report will contribute to promoting a proper understanding and utilization of blockchain in the pharmaceutical industry.
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Drug Evaluation Committee, Data Science Subcommittee
FY2019 Task Force 1: Blockchain Team