Pricing system reform and generics trend apparent at CPhI Japan 2018  

Increased international generic API companies and suppliers are reported at next month’s CPhI Japan 2018, traditionally an innovative drug focussed 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.

For more information about CPhI Japan and to register to attend, please visit: http://gotocphi.com/prjapan18

Notable features at CPhI Japan 2018 include:

• The renowned Business Matchmaking Programme, an online matchmaking tool, enables attendees to search for and arrange meetings with exhibitors prior to the show.
• Exhibitor Showcases will run on the show floor and allow exhibitors 30-minutes to present their products, services, new launches, and innovations to visitors and press.
• Japan Life Science Week – In addition to the 10 trade shows the organisers have launched the two new life science related events; Health Care IT and Fine Chemical Japan in the last two years.
• The Customer Insight Lounge – a relaxed environment with massage chairs and refreshments where visitors and exhibitors can network together with UBM members.
• New for 2018 is the Supplier Finder, an interactive floor plan designed to allow attendees to quickly find specific suppliers and exhibitors at the exhibition.

About CPhI
CPhI drives growth and innovation at every step of the global pharmaceutical supply chain from drug discovery to finished dosage. Through exhibitions, conferences and online communities, CPhI brings together more than 100,000 pharmaceutical professionals each year to network, identify business opportunities and expand the global market. CPhI hosts events in Europe, North America, Korea, China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and co-locates with ICSE for contract services, P-MEC for machinery, equipment & technology, FDF for finished dosage formulations, InnoPack for pharmaceutical packaging and BioPh for biopharma. CPhI provides an online buyer & supplier directory at CPhI-Online.com. For more information visit: www.cphi.com 

About UBM
UBM is the largest pure-play B2B Events organizer in the world. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors. Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed. Please visit www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM.