Following the Cabinet Decision on the "Framework Policy 2025
June 13, 2025
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
Asuka Miyabashira, Chairman
Recently, following a report by the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, the "Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2025" (Kotta-no-Moroshi 2025) was approved by the Cabinet. I would like to express my respect for the efforts of all parties involved in the formulation of this policy.
In this policy, it is clearly stated that "we will realize policies in an integrated manner to develop the drug discovery ecosystem, expand the healthcare market, and strengthen the foundation of drug discovery capabilities," which we take as a reiteration of the importance of our industry's mission to deliver innovative medicines to patients. In addition to aiming to build a sustainable social security system, we will actively engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders on the following points from the perspective of appropriately valuing pharmaceuticals.
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On strengthening drug discovery capabilities and promoting innovation
In this policy, the strengthening of drug discovery capabilities and the promotion of innovation and medical DX are set forth, as well as the implementation of appropriate evaluation in NHI drug prices. In response, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) will continue to make efforts to create innovative new drugs.
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On the cost-effectiveness evaluation system
The policy states that, with regard to the cost-effectiveness evaluation system, "Based on objective verification, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) will examine appropriate evaluation methods, scope of coverage, and implementation systems, as well as measures for utilization in the NHI drug price system and in medical care, in order to further promote the use of the system. The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) is committed to actively participating in discussions on the new evaluation system, including the form of a new system that is not bound by the current framework, so that the various values of innovative new drugs can be appropriately evaluated from a more scientific and comprehensive viewpoint.
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Reflection of economic and price trends in social security-related expenses
Despite soaring costs for manufacturing, distribution, and other aspects of pharmaceuticals, and rising wages, the official price of drugs has remained unchanged until now. However, the policy states that "an increase corresponding to the increase in social security-related expenses due to the aging of society plus an increase corresponding to the response to economic and price trends" and also mentions "an increase in the official price" in the medical field. In this regard, we recognize that NHI drug prices are also included in the scope of this policy, and we will continue the necessary dialogue with related parties toward the FY2026 estimate request criteria and the year-end budget compilation process.
The End
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Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Public Relations Department
- Phone
- 03-3241-0374