Generics in Japan

The evolution of generics in Japan is an interesting story that says much about the differences of this market compared to the US or Europe. This article will try to capture the essence of past events, where we are now, and reasonable assumptions about future directions, writes long-time Japan pharma watcher and president of International Alliances Limited P Reed Maurer in his exclusive column for The Pharma Letter. .

From birth through adolescence

Generics and the companies who manufacture and sell them have been around for a long time but were flying under the radar. That is, their market shares did not seriously impact brand name drug sales. A major reason stems from the basic structure of how drugs are approved and reimbursed in Japan.