From JPMA Toward Strengthening Drug Discovery Capabilities
As the global new drug trend diversifies toward new modalities in addition to small molecules, the absolute number of new drugs originating in Japan is on a downward trend, and the relative position of new drug creation is falling in rank. While maintaining Japan's traditional strength in small molecule drug discovery, it is necessary to urgently strengthen drug discovery capabilities in new modalities. In drug discovery of new modalities, it is important to bring together a variety of domestic and foreign players, including academia and start-ups with seeds of innovative new drugs and outstanding knowledge and technologies, as well as contract research organizations (CROs) and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) that support clinical trials, manufacturing, and other activities. It is essential to build a "drug discovery ecosystem," an environment in which diverse technologies, knowledge, people, goods, and money are organically linked to form an ecosystem, so to speak, in which innovative new drugs are created and delivered to patients. We must work together with the relevant government agencies and various related organizations to build this drug discovery ecosystem.
In the fiscal 2024 reform of the NHI drug price system, industry-wide efforts resulted in measures in the NHI drug price system to evaluate pharmaceutical innovations. On the other hand, the mid-year revision of NHI drug prices, which has been ongoing since FY2021, needs to be reviewed as it significantly hinders these activities to create innovation and ensure stable supply, and may lead to a decline in the quality of medical care, and will be discussed with the government and stakeholders. We will also oppose the expansion of the scope of the cost-effectiveness evaluation system, which is used to adjust the price of some new drugs, as it could significantly undermine the value of innovation.
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
Chairman Hiroaki Ueno
In order for a climate of innovation to take root in Japan, leading to an increase in the healthy life expectancy of the Japanese people and revitalization of economic activity, it is important to have an environment that encourages the creation of innovative new drugs and a system where such innovation is appropriately evaluated at the NHI price. New drugs should be created without interruption and delivered to patients. Investments in new drug creation should be recouped early and used for reinvestment in further drug discovery. The attractiveness of the Japanese market will be enhanced, and new drugs created overseas will be introduced quickly. I believe that an environment in which these factors form a virtuous cycle is the type of ecosystem that Japan, as a country of drug discovery, is aiming for.
(From the Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan)
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA)
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA)
Since its establishment in 1968, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ), a voluntary association of R&D-oriented pharmaceutical companies, has continued to contribute to global healthcare through the development of innovative new ethical drugs under the motto of "realization of patient-participatory medicine.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) is engaged in a multifaceted program of activities to solve various problems common to the pharmaceutical industry, to deepen understanding of pharmaceuticals, and to promote international collaboration. In particular, it is working for the sound development of the pharmaceutical industry by strengthening its policy formulation and advocacy activities, addressing internationalization, and reinforcing its public relations system.
Aiming to contribute to society through the development of new drugs Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA)