PhRMA against Japan annual NIH revisions

In his first press conference since being inaugurated as chairman of the Japan-based Executive Committee of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) on October 1, Ko Sekiguchi voiced his opposition to an annual revision of the National Health Insurance drug prices, expressing the US drugmakers body's views on the current issue of Japan's health care system in Tokyo.

Mr Sekiguchi stated that, since an annual price revision, which is now being discussed for introduction in fiscal year 2008, will result in inhibiting the development of innovative drugs and access to them, "we are opposed to the plan." He also said that drug prices should not be reduced on new medicines during the period of patent or market exclusivity and that the PhRMA supports the introduction of effective competition with the entry of generics after the expiration of the patent. Specifically, he urged the government to review the recalculation of drug prices with their market expansion because this will bring about a negative effect on innovation.

Disease prevention has been neglected in Japan thus far, Mr Sekiguchi pointed out, and urged the government to introduce a system where preventive medicines are approved and reimbursed. He proposed that timely check-ups, vaccines and early interventions will lead to better health outcomes, improve people's quality-of-life and result in reducing overall medical costs.