Regulatory Revolution in Japan: The New Pathway for “Specific Use Drugs” in 2026
In 2026, Japan is implementing a structural change in its drug designation process. The new workflow allows companies to apply for the “Drug for Specific Use” classification directly to the PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency), eliminating previous ministerial bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating the arrival of treatments for rare and critical diseases in the Japanese market.
Understanding Patent Process for Generics and Biosimilars in Japan
If you are planning to register a generic or biosimilar drug in Japan, it is essential to understand the country’s two-stage patent linkage system, that operates through Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) administrative notices rather than formal regulations. The First Stage ensures generic drugs do not infringe on brand patents during regulatory review.
Supporting the Development of Regenerative Medical Products for Rare Diseases
Japan, the Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) system is designed to promote the development of treatments for rare diseases, including regenerative medical products. Regenerative medical products, which encompass therapies aimed at repairing or replacing damaged tissues or organs, can qualify for ODD if they meet specific criteria.
Japan Updates Orphan Drug Designation System to Accelerate Treatments for Rare Diseases
Japan has recently implemented significant updates to its Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) system, aiming to foster the development of treatments for rare diseases. These changes, introduced in 2024, are designed to streamline the designation process, provide robust support to pharmaceutical companies, and expedite patient access to essential medications.
Japan’s MHLW Publishes New Quality Standards for Quasi-Drugs
On October 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has published new quality standards and specifications of 2,647 ingredients and additives that can used in Quasi-drugs.
REGISTRATION OF DRUG MASTER FILE (DMF) IN JAPAN
In Japan, the Drug Master File (DMF) is called “Master File” or “MF”. The Purpose of DMF is to protect the “know-how” of API manufacturing methods against the marketing authorization applicant (MAA) / holder (MAH) of pharmaceutical products. The foreign manufacturers of APIs can apply for DMF registration.
Japan’s PMDA implements Surprise GMP inspections at manufacturing facilities
On July 2021, Regulators in Japan announced they will start conducting inspections by surprise at facilities where drugs, pharmaceuticals and medical devices products are manufactured
Japan’s PMDA Remote Inspections
The PMDA clarifies its requirements for conducting remote compliance inspections related to drugs and regenerative medical products.
Japan’s MHLW Allows Online IRB Meetings for Coronavirus Trials
Japan’s MHLW issued on April 1, allowing institutional review board (IRB) meetings to be held online or via emails when urgent deliberations are needed to decide whether to approve clinical trials for COVID-19.
HOW TO FILE A DMF FOR AN API IN JAPAN
GRP- blog explains the PMDA’s DFM application process and lists the necessary content needed for API submission to the PMDA.
Antimicrobial Drugs Clinical Study Regulations Harmonization
The FDA, EMA and PMDA aim at bringing harmonization in regulations related to clinical studies conducted for novel antimicrobial drugs (antibacterial and antifungal) across USA, Europe and Japan.
Japan cutting prices of new drugs and off-patent drugs
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is proposing a considerable cut down in the pricing of both off-patent drugs and expensive innovative treatments, and also set up an annual review of the drug prices.