Joint Statement by Three Pharmaceutical Associations from Japan, the U.S., and Europe Regarding the “Draft Report of the Expert Panel on Comprehensive Measures to Ensure the Rapid and Stable Supply of Pharmaceuticals”

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June 6, 2023
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA)
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA Japan)

Today, at the “Expert Panel on Comprehensive Measures to Ensure the Prompt and Stable Supply of Pharmaceuticals” (hereinafter referred to as “this Panel”) hosted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, various challenges facing Japan’s pharmaceutical industry, directions for countermeasures, and a draft report were presented.

To date, the three pharmaceutical industry associations from Japan, the U.S., and Europe have pointed out that “drug lag” and “drug loss” are currently occurring, and have highlighted issues with the drug pricing system, including the failure to adequately value innovation, the failure to maintain drug prices during the patent term, and the lack of predictability in the system.
We would like to express our gratitude that this review meeting addressed these challenges and outlined a general framework for their resolution.

Regarding the drug pricing system, it is crucial that innovation in pharmaceutical products be appropriately evaluated across the board; the system must align with global standards to ensure that the scope of evaluation is not limited to certain drugs or company size categories.We believe this will create an attractive market where investment costs can be recouped quickly and reinvested early in the next round of research and development, thereby accelerating the pace of innovation

. We understand that, based on this draft report, in-depth discussions aimed at implementing solutions for each issue will now begin. We strongly hope that concrete measures to resolve these issues will be clearly outlined.
We will actively participate in future deliberations and strive to meet the expectations of the Japanese people. Furthermore, through collaboration among industry, academia, and government, we will do our utmost to ensure that Japan regains sustainable market growth, further strengthens its drug discovery capabilities, and remains a global leader in the life sciences field.

　

Organization Overview

Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA)
The JPMA is a voluntary association comprising 71 research-and-development-oriented pharmaceutical companies (as of October 1, 2022).Established in 1968, the JPMA has contributed to global healthcare under the motto “Realizing Patient-Centered Healthcare” through the development of groundbreaking new prescription drugs.
JPMA carries out multifaceted initiatives, including addressing common issues facing the pharmaceutical industry, promoting a deeper understanding of pharmaceuticals, and fostering international collaboration. Furthermore, JPMA is committed to the sound development of the pharmaceutical industry, particularly through strengthening policy formulation and advocacy, responding to globalization, and enhancing public relations efforts.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
PhRMA is an organization representing the world’s leading research-based biopharmaceutical companies. Its member companies discover and develop new medicines and strive to help patients live longer, healthier, and more active lives.Cumulative investment by member companies in new drug research and development has exceeded $1.1 trillion since 2000, with an estimated $102.3 billion invested in 2021 alone.

European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA Japan)
Established in April 2002, EFPIA Japan comprises 23 European R&D-focused pharmaceutical companies operating in Japan. In 2021, the combined sales of its member companies accounted for approximately 26% of the Japanese pharmaceutical market.EFPIA Japan’s mission is to “contribute to healthcare and patients in Japan through the early introduction of innovative medicines and vaccines.” EFPIA Japan aims to strengthen dialogue with policymakers to improve healthcare in Japan.

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