New Year's Message for 2026
At the beginning of the year 2026, I would like to offer my best wishes for the New Year.
Looking back over the past year, the environment surrounding the pharmaceutical industry has changed dramatically. Overseas, the environment surrounding the global pharmaceutical industry has become more uncertain than ever before, with the U.S. tariff measures, the response to MFN (Most Favored Nation) treatment that lowers the price of U.S. drugs to the lowest overseas drug price, and supply chain tensions due to heightened geopolitical risks. In Japan, there is a mountain of issues that need to be resolved, including a decline in R&D capabilities, growing drug-lag losses, supply concerns, and drug price reductions for the ninth consecutive year amid a rising price trend.
As a key and growing industry that supports the health and economic security of the people, we in the pharmaceutical industry are at a critical juncture in which we must respond more responsibly than ever before. In order for Japan to continue to create new drugs, it is essential to review the existing framework, accept new ideas, and boldly innovate. In particular, the NHI drug price system, in addition to the abolition of mid-year revisions, must be made more predictable and transparent so that it will be regarded as an attractive market even by foreign countries. In addition to the sustainability of social security finances, it is also important to ensure access to innovation at the "National Council," which will be established this year to hold a national discussion on how benefits and burdens should be shared in the social security system, and the industry will also make constructive proposals.
In addition, the Japan Growth Strategy Headquarters, established by the government in November last year, has clearly stated the promotion of "strategic investment through public-private partnerships" to take the initiative in addressing risks and social issues, and "achieving growth of the Japanese economy through products and services that contribute to solving common global problems". Among the 17 priority areas for investment, "drug discovery and advanced medicine" and "synthetic biology and biotechnology" were also positioned as strategic areas. The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) will actively participate in the discussions from the perspective of strengthening the international competitiveness of Japan's drug discovery and national security.
This is my first New Year as President of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan. Last year was a year of great encouragement as we engaged in serious discussions and frank dialogues with many stakeholders, touching on their expectations and warm support for the industry. This year will be another year of creating value together with many of you under the concept of "Co-creation," while valuing speed and strength, like a herd of surging horses galloping across the land.
Asuka Miyabashira, Chairman, Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Inc.