The Declining and Rapidly Aging Population Presents
Significant Challenges to the Healthcare System and Economy as a Whole
Japan had a population of 127,817,277 in 2011,
making it the 10th most populated country in the world (The World Bank, 2012).
However, since 2005, as the number of deaths exceeded that of births, the
population has declined. Without significant government intervention, the
depopulation process is expected to continue.
The proportion of people aged 65 or over is 23.3%
and projected to reach 29.1% by 2020 and almost 40% by 2050 (Statistical
Research and Training Institute, 2012).
These demographic changes will present further
challenges to a stagnating economy, which, as the data in this report confirms,
is already struggling with reduced economic growth. A diminishing workforce and
falling productivity levels will likely add to the economic difficulties Japan
is experiencing.
The associated increase in disease burden has also
had implications for the healthcare system. Healthcare expenditure has risen,
and is set to rise further as the population continues to age.
In 2010, Japan’s healthcare spending per capita was
$4,065.4, a significant increase from 2005.
Japan’s universal healthcare system may therefore
prove unsustainable as the government looks to control spending. A combination
of pro-generic policies, government initiatives to prevent lifestyle diseases,
and higher copayments should help to keep healthcare expenditure under control.
Regulatory Reform will Continue to Attract Foreign
Pharmaceutical Companies
The ongoing deregulation of the Japanese
pharmaceutical industry has made it an attractive market for big pharma.
Improvements to the new drug approval process have significantly shortened the
approval time. Consultation services provided by approval bodies have been
expanded and improved, approval standards have been clarified and the number of
trained personnel involved in the review process has increased.
Many of these changes have occurred following the
introduction of a number of plans and government policies. Plans are currently
being implemented to shorten the review period and improve cooperation with
other countries, particularly Western and other Asian nations, such as the
Second Medium Range Plan (2009–2014), which includes the International Strategic
Plan.
Request a Sample Copy @ http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/request-sample?rname=92373
In April 2007, the government introduced the 5-Year
Strategy for the Creation of Innovative Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices,
which contributed towards the reduction in lag time associated with new product
approvals.
In addition to attracting foreign investment,
deregulation has also improved the competitiveness of Japan’s pharmaceutical
companies. The market now consists of multinational players such as Takeda and
Daiichi Sankyo, who market leading products globally.
Takeda Maintains its Position as the Leading Company
in the Japanese Pharmaceutical Industry
Takeda maintained its position as the leader in
Japan’s pharmaceutical industry in 2012, with revenues of $18.9 billion. This
was followed by Otsuka Holdings, Astellas, Daiichi Sankyo and Eisai.
M&A activity has become a common theme within
the global pharmaceutical industry. This is often a strategic response to
patent expirations, reduced R&D productivity and the need to cut costs.
The Japanese pharmaceutical industry has followed
this trend. Although historically dependent on domestic R&D, the recent globalization
of Japanese companies has been driven by enhanced M&A activity. Significant
deals have been completed in the US, Europe and developing nations, such as
China, India and Brazil.
With a total of 20 M&A, including two recently
announced, Takeda has been the most active Japanese company.
The M&A strategy is seen as necessary for
pharmaceutical companies keen to expand product pipelines following patent
expirations and gain access to untapped markets. It is hoped that such
strategic measures will help develop or maintain growth and revenue.
Reasons
to buy
- Primarily, the report will allow clients to gain a
strong understanding of the economic and healthcare challenges facing Japan.
- In addition, the report will assist in identifying
opportunities within Japan’s pharmaceutical market, including:
- Potential for market growth – A number of factors
could provide strong potential for sales growth in the Japanese pharmaceutical
market. Examples include the world leading life expectancy and associated
increase in lifestyle diseases, and government initiatives to prevent such
diseases, which provides opportunities for healthcare and pharmaceutical
companies, who often carry out the work.
- The report provides a source of information
covering Japan’s regulatory landscape, and importantly, recent deregulation, to
help identify the reasons Japan has become an attractive market for big pharma.
- The report will provide new market entrants with a
comprehensive overview of the leading Japanese pharmaceutical companies, and
the specific therapeutic indications they are currently targeting.
- Overall, allowing clients to determine whether the
Japanese pharmaceutical market will provide them with commercially viable
opportunities for growth.
