The results of an EFPIA survey were released on 1 October, showing that 80% intended to increase investment in Japan, while several pharmaceutical companies successively moved toward transfers, license changes, acquisition reviews and site reorganizations.
The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations' EFPIA Japan released a survey of intentions to invest in Japan. 79% of companies said they intended to increase investment in areas including clinical trials, manufacturing and M&A if institutional changes were implemented. Many expected to reduce investment if the changes were not implemented. The MFN drug-pricing policy and maintenance of drug prices ranked first among future investment concerns, and companies' views on the priority of the Japanese market were also disclosed. Following these announcements, stakeholders pointed to the impact of the policy environment.
帝人ファーマ announced that it will change the manufacturing and marketing approvals for the expectorant Mucosolvan and the laxative Laxoberon. Mucosolvan will change from 帝人ファーマ to 日本ケミファ, and Laxoberon will change from 帝人ファーマ to アルフレッサファーマ, effective 1 January 2027. It is also considering transferring ownership of products outside the rare-disease and intractable-disease fields to the best owner, with the end of the license agreement cited as the reason for the transfer.
久光製薬 announced that it will begin sole sales and information provision for Fentanyl Tape and Abstral sublingual tablets on 28 December. For Abstral, 丸石製薬 will change from 協和キリン to hold the manufacturing and marketing approval.
東邦ホールディングス announced that it is considering the acquisition of PHCホールディングス. Following a Bloomberg report, it was reported that the company was expected to seek to acquire all shares through a tender offer, but no decision has been made at this point. PHC also acknowledged that it had received a preliminary proposal.