Special Feature: “TOWN HALL MEETING”
Don’t Let Strategy End as Just a “Picture Story”—
: Moving Toward Execution with “One JPMA”
On October 15, 2026, we held the 2nd “JPMA Town Hall Meeting.” We shared insights into the transformation of the JPMA following its transition to a general incorporated association from two perspectives: “Why are we changing now?” and “What is changing?” During the dialogue session, speakers candidly answered both pre-submitted and raised-hand questions!
Special Feature: “Business Strategy Division”
Turning Change and Challenges into Strength: Shaping the Future Together.
In conjunction with the transition to a general incorporated association in October 2026, the Business Strategy Division officially launched. As a cross-functional hub connecting member companies, committees, and the secretariat, how will we build an organization that operates as a unified whole? We asked the Executive Director, the leaders of the three groups, and the operational members to share their thoughts on taking on the challenge of “One JPMA.”
From JPMA
INTERVIEW with Executive Director Takahashi
Sharing the Value of Innovation with the World
In April 2026, Go Takahashi assumed the position of Executive Director at the JPMA. We asked Mr. Takahashi, who possesses extensive international experience, about his vision for “enhancing global presence,” “deepening international strategy,” and “co-creation.”
My Committee
Vol. 8: “Drug Evaluation Committee”
The Challenge of Connecting the Entire Drug Discovery Lifecycle to Rapidly Deliver Reliable Innovation to Patients
This section introduces the committee activities of the JPMA. In this eighth installment, we feature the Drug Evaluation Committee, which covers a broad range of areas from nonclinical studies to post-marketing activities. We present an overview of its activities alongside the thoughts of its members as they tackle the promotion of NAMs and the renewal of the digital infrastructure.
The Pharmaceutical Industry from a Factual Perspective
Where Does Drug Discovery Capability Come From?
— Comparing the Depth of Drug Discovery Ecosystems Across “Metropolitan Areas” —
Where in the world are the seeds of new drugs being sown? The Policy Research Institute compared drug discovery across 19 metropolitan areas worldwide. Based on the finding that 53.0% of development candidates originate from these 19 regions, we analyze the characteristics of drug discovery clusters, as well as the current status and challenges facing Tokyo and Osaka.
Key Term to Keep in Mind: “NAMs”
NAMs: New Approach Methodologies
— From “Alternatives” to Animal Testing to Evaluation Strategies That Enhance Predictability in Humans—
Nonclinical evaluation of pharmaceuticals is reaching a major turning point. What exactly are the much-discussed “NAMs,” and how should Japan address this trend? We spoke with three members of the Drug Evaluation Committee who are working on NAMs.
Topics
The JPMA has transitioned to a general incorporated association; it participated in and hosted the “Girls Meet STEM Summer Tour”; promoted the strengthening of Japan’s drug discovery ecosystem at “BioJapan 2026”; and held a side event at the 81st United Nations Assembly;held the “FY2026 GMP Case Study Workshop,” and conducted the FY2026 “JPMA Code Awareness Month” in November. We bring you the latest initiatives and achievements of the JPMA.
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