Joint Statement by the Japan, U.S., and European Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Associations on the "Draft Report of the Expert Panel on Comprehensive Measures to Achieve a Rapid and Stable Supply of Pharmaceuticals

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June 06, 2023
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA)
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA Japan)

Today, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) hosted the "Expert Panel on Comprehensive Measures to Achieve a Rapid and Stable Supply of Pharmaceuticals" (hereinafter referred to as "the Panel"), which presented a draft report on the various challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry in Japan and the direction of measures.

The three organizations have pointed out that a drug lag and drug losses are occurring in Japan, the U.S., and Europe, and have complained that innovation is not properly evaluated, that drug prices are not maintained during the patent period, and that the system is not predictable.
We express our appreciation for the fact that these issues were captured in this review meeting and that a general direction for their resolution was presented.

With regard to the NHI drug pricing system, it is important that innovations of innovative drugs be widely and appropriately evaluated, and that the scope of evaluation be in line with global standards so that it is not limited to a few drugs or company size categories. We believe that this will create an attractive market where investment costs can be recovered quickly and reinvested in the next stage of R&D, which in turn will speed up the creation of innovation.

We understand that, based on this draft report, in-depth discussions will be initiated on each of the issues for further implementation. We strongly hope that concrete measures to resolve the issues will be clearly presented.
We will actively participate in future discussions and meet the expectations of the Japanese people. We will also do our utmost to ensure that Japan regains sustainable growth in the market, further strengthens its drug discovery capabilities, and remains a global leader in the life science field through collaboration among industry, academia, and government.

Thank you for your continued

support

.

Outline of Organizations

Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA)
The JPMA is a voluntary association of 71 R&D-oriented pharmaceutical companies (as of October 1, 2022). established in 1968, the JPMA has contributed to global healthcare through the development of innovative new drugs for ethical drugs under the motto "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, we are working for the sound development of the pharmaceutical industry by strengthening our policy formulation and advocacy activities, addressing internationalization, and enhancing our public relations structure.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
PhRMA represents the leading research-oriented biopharmaceutical companies worldwide. Member companies strive to discover and develop new medicines so that patients can live longer, healthier, and more active lives. Member companies have invested more than $1.1 trillion in new drug research and development since 2000 and an estimated $102.3 billion in 2021 alone.

European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA Japan)
Established in April 2002, EFPIA Japan is comprised of 23 European R&D-oriented pharmaceutical companies operating in Japan. EFPIA Japan aims to strengthen the dialogue with policy makers to improve healthcare in Japan.

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