Manufacturer's suggested reimbursement price recommended at Japan govt panel

Members from the private sector at Japan's Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (CEFP) within the Cabinet Office recommended the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to introduce immediately a manufacturer's suggested reimbursement price (MRSP) system, or an applicant's determined reimbursement price, to replace the current National Health Insurance drug pricing scheme at a meeting of the Council this month.

The members urged the Ministry to draw up a five-year strategic plan for growth to enhance international competitiveness in the areas of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices. This would establish a system to allow simultaneous development and marketing of drugs in Japan, the USA and Europe as a goal of the strategy, which should include: building clusters consisting of medical facilities (research institutions) with highly-advanced technologies, for the pharmaceutical and bio-industries to collaborate effectively with medical institutions; conducting international joint clinical studies and accelerating approval reviews; reforming the NHI drug pricing system to establish a market structure to promote R&D on innovative drugs; and reforming approval and insurance coverage for medical devices.

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