JPMA Presidents Press Conference Under the theme “Paving the Way for Japan’s Growth and Public Health Through Public-Private Collaboration,” the association shared its vision for Japan’s growth and the future of healthcare
The Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) held a Chairman’s Press Conference on July 30, 2026.At the press conference, Chairperson Asuka Miyabashira, speaking on the theme “Paving the Way for Japan’s Growth and Public Health Through Public-Private Collaboration,” reviewed activities since the February Chairperson’s press conference and outlined the JPMA’s perspective and future initiatives based on the “Basic Policy 2026” and the “Japan Growth Strategy Council.”During the Q&A session following the press conference, there was a lively exchange of views on topics such as drug pricing system reform, enhancing the appeal of the Japanese market, and responses to the U.S. Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) pricing policy.
Scene of the press conference
Promoting Dialogue and Co-creation with Diverse Stakeholders
Chairman Miyabashira noted that since the Chairman’s press conference in February, he had engaged in repeated dialogue with diverse stakeholders through various forums, including the Japan Growth Strategy Council, the Public-Private Council for Enhancing Drug Discovery Capabilities, CPHI Japan, and the BIO International Convention 2026.He reflected on how these activities have deepened discussions on challenges such as strengthening drug discovery capabilities, enhancing the resilience of the domestic manufacturing base, fostering talent, and improving the attractiveness of the Japanese market.
Furthermore, at the BIO International Convention 2026—the first time the JPMA participated—the association collaborated with the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA),the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), and others to convey the message that it is crucial to advance public-private initiatives to attract investment and research opportunities in order to position Japan as an attractive investment destination and R&D hub in the drug discovery and biotechnology sectors.
Assessment of the Basic Policy 2026
During this press conference, he also touched upon the “Basic Policy 2026,” which was approved by the Cabinet in July.Chairman Miyashira expressed his view that the direction the JPMA had proposed through policy dialogue to date had been broadly reflected in the document. In particular, he commended the inclusion of measures to create an environment for rapidly delivering innovative medicines to patients and an approach to appropriately evaluate the value of new drugs, and expressed his expectations for future institutional reforms. He also touched on strengthening pharmaceutical security and stable supply systems, promoting digital transformation (DX) in healthcare, and building a sustainable social security system. He stated that these initiatives represent an important step toward balancing the health of the public with Japan’s economic growth.
Recommendations from the Japan Growth Strategy Council
Chairman Miyashira explained the background behind the JPMA’s proposals to both the “Drug Discovery and Advanced Medicine” and “Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology” working groups of the Japan Growth Strategy Council, which centered on “revitalizing drug discovery capabilities,” “strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities,” and “maintaining and strengthening the talent base.”In this context, he emphasized that the pharmaceutical industry is a national infrastructure that not only supports public health but also contributes to Japan’s economic growth and national security, and that enhancing the attractiveness of the Japanese market is a key factor in supporting the development of the drug discovery and biotechnology industries.He also pointed out that in order to deliver innovative pharmaceuticals to Japanese patients more quickly, it is essential to create an environment that attracts investment from both domestic and international sources and encourages continuous investment in research, development, and manufacturing.
He also noted that in the public-private investment roadmap compiled by the Japan Growth Strategy Council, the cumulative investment in the drug discovery and biotechnology sectors was set at approximately 64.1 trillion yen, ranking second only to AI and semiconductors among the 17 strategic areas.Chairman Miyashira welcomed the high level of expectations for the drug discovery and biotechnology sectors. He expressed the view that “pharmaceuticals are not a cost but an investment in the future,” and that their benefits extend beyond improving public health to economic growth and job creation through their ripple effects on the wide range of related industries that support the drug discovery and biotechnology sectors.
Exchange of Views on Challenges for Strengthening Japan’s Drug Discovery Capabilities
During the question-and-answer session, reporters in the audience asked questions regarding the valuation of innovative new drugs in the FY2027 drug price revision and the FY2028 drug pricing system reform, the approach to interim price revisions, and the industry’s role in the reform of the Central Social Insurance Medical Council.Discussions also covered the feasibility of the public-private investment roadmap for the drug discovery and biotechnology sectors presented at the Japan Growth Strategy Council, as well as challenges in enhancing the attractiveness of the Japanese market. Furthermore, opinions were exchanged regarding the impact of the U.S. Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) pricing policy on Japan’s drug discovery environment and access to pharmaceuticals, as well as the JPMA’s response strategy.
Looking Ahead
Chairman Miyabashira stated that, with the aim of “realizing a sustainable society where everyone has access to necessary medical care,” the association will continue to invest in research and development, strengthen the domestic manufacturing base,developing talent, and promoting digital transformation (DX) in healthcare to “realize a sustainable society where everyone has access to necessary medical care.” He also expressed his determination to contribute to the concretization and implementation of the directions outlined in the Basic Policy 2026 and the Japan Growth Strategy Council through dialogue with diverse stakeholders, including the public and patients.He concluded the press conference by reaffirming the commitment to continue contributing to Japan’s growth and the health of its citizens through public-private collaboration.
Questions and Answers
(Risa Ishimoto, Pharmaceutical Industrial Policy Committee)