Bio and generic demand reflective of wider trends in the market – with overseas investments now prospering
 
Increased international generic API companies and suppliers are reported at next month’s CPhI Japan 2018, traditionally an innovative drug focused market, due to recent changes in the country. As uncovered earlier this year in the CPhI Japan 2018 report, after years of gradual reforms, the Japanese pharma economy is becoming extremely welcoming for generics and overseas manufactures – particularly those that can combine exemplary regulatory records with competitive pricing. By joining the Pharmaceutical Convention Inspection (PIC/S) scheme in 2014, Japan has opened its doors to new entrants.
 
In response, the event will open a finished dosage formulation zone (FDF) for 2018, building on the increasing diversity of the API supplier base. In total, 21,000 executives will come from a remarkable 56 countries, highlighting the country’s growing internationalisation, with 550 exhibitors from 30 countries – an increase of nearly 100 exhibitors in just two years. These include major suppliers of pharmaceutical ingredients, packaging, contract services as well as machinery and technology providers. Around 200 seminars will take place across the event.
 
Beyond the exhibition, over 9,000 pharma professionals will attend the CPhI Japan conference, with insights from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, the Japanese Society of Generic and Biosimilar Medicines, and the Japan Pharmaceutical Traders’ Association.
 
Another major development in Japan, especially for new market entrants, is the implications of the 2018 ‘Pricing system reform and introduction of cost-effectiveness assessment’ on which the conference will host a keynote address. Conversely, for buyers in the region, information and access to the international partners will be integral to establishing a robust supply chain, with the event also hosting an ‘International API Procurement Forum’ – specifically designed to empower the Government’s requirement for 80% generic market penetration by 2020.
 
“By bridging foreign manufacturers to local distributors successfully, we are able to create new investments and growth for our organization.” Cristine Fernandez, R.Ph Regulatory Affairs Consultant, Regicon.
 
Outside of solid dose drugs, biologics are also showing potential, specifically for antibodies, protein based drugs and vaccines. The Japanese Government’s investments in industrial bio cluster projects and the creation of support programmes for bio ventures and universities has meant BioPh has become a much larger part of CPhI Japan in the last couple of years.
 
“CPhI Japan is an accurate bellwether of the wider market trends in the country, and this year we are seeing an acceleration of interest in generics and biologicals, particularly biosimilars – which the market has been previously resilient towards. But there is also more generally increased international interest and investment in all product classes – including innovative medicine – thanks to deregulation and streamlined new drug approval processes,” added Laura Murina, Brand Manager, CPhI Japan at UBM.
 
The event takes place at the Big Sight Exhibition Centre, Tokyo, Japan 18-20 April, 2018. CPhI Japan is a five-in-one event allowing visitors to gain access to the entire Japanese pharma industry under one roof, and meet with exhibitors working across ingredients, contract services, biopharmaceuticals, machinery, technology, and packaging.