From JPMA Toward Building a Drug Discovery Ecosystem Suitable for Japan

Japan's declining position in new drug creation has been called into question, and a major reason for this is the slow response to new modalities (means). Japan should urgently develop its drug discovery capabilities in new modalities while maintaining its strength in conventional synthetic chemical drug discovery. To do so, it is essential to build a drug discovery ecosystem suited to Japan.

In conventional drug development, each pharmaceutical company has conducted everything from basic research to clinical trials, manufacturing, and marketing independently. However, as new modalities become more complex and sophisticated, it becomes difficult for a single company to complete the process alone. The key to success is collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, academia, and bio-ventures. The drug discovery ecosystem is a mechanism for these players to collaborate and link the three elements of people, products, and money. If it works, many innovative new drugs will be created. This drug discovery ecosystem will not be limited to Japan, but will also link with overseas players to play a role in the global drug discovery ecosystem.

At the same time, we feel the need for a new system to evaluate new drugs in Japan. Under the current drug price system, prices are determined by comparison with similar drugs or based on cost accounting. However, drugs based on new modalities are produced and used differently from conventional drugs, and should be evaluated individually according to the characteristics and innovativeness of new drugs. If such a new system is realized, it will help to promote access to innovative new drugs from overseas.