Newsletter May 2026 No.229

Special Issue on Biopharmaceuticals

Biopharmaceuticals
Toward Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing Capability

Biopharmaceuticals are rapidly increasing their presence in the global pharmaceutical market. Japan is dependent on foreign countries for about 90% of its manufacturing, and the fragility of the supply chain is an issue. While discussions are underway to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, the key to success is human resources. This report looks at the current status and future of Japan's biopharmaceutical industry from the perspectives of policy, industry, and the manufacturing frontline.

From JPMA

Interview with Executive Director Yoshida
: Not Afraid of Change, Building the Future Together

JPMA's Vision for 2035" and is vigorously promoting the "Project for Strengthening JPMA" to realize the vision. In this report, we will discuss the significance of the organizational reforms that will be brought about by the incorporation as a general incorporated association and the newly established "Business Strategy Headquarters" scheduled for October of this year, efforts to strengthen the unity of the committees, and the path to evolve into an industry that is trusted by society.

My Committee

vol.6 Intellectual Property Committee

The proper functioning of the intellectual property system is essential for the pharmaceutical industry to maintain its international competitiveness and sustainable development. We introduce the activities of the Intellectual Property Committee, which has seven task forces (TFs), including the IP Forum TF and the Patent Linkage TF, as well as the thoughts of each member.

The Pharmaceutical Industry from a Factual Perspective

The key to utilizing "health and medical information" is
"Social acceptance

In promoting the utilization of health and medical information, "social acceptance" is essential along with the promotion of medical DX and the development of data infrastructure. The current status and issues emerging from the results of the first-ever survey of public and physician awareness, as well as future directions, will be presented in the form of four "FACTs".

Topics

We bring you the latest initiatives and achievements from the JPMA, including the “Rare Disease Day 2026 Symposium,” which featured a multifaceted discussion on challenges surrounding treatments for rare diseases; the announcement of the industry’s first Scope 3 guidelines; a drug discovery experience event for junior high and high school girls at “Girls Meet STEM”; the relaunch of the JPMA website;the appointment of Go Takahashi as Managing Director, and the hosting of a workshop on implementing the 2025 Industry Declaration on the Clinical Trial Ecosystem—we bring you the latest initiatives and achievements of the JPMA.