Key Insights Into The Drug Discovery Ecosystem Summit in Japan

On July 30th, 2024, CMIC Group’s COO and President, Keiko Oishi, along with Hiroshi Kosaku, Corporate Officer and President of CMIC, Inc., attended the Drug Discovery Ecosystem Summit held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence of Japan. This critical event, part of the ongoing efforts by the Council for Drug Discovery Initiative, brought together 43 top leaders in government, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry to shape the future of drug development in Japan.

A Commitment to Enhancing Drug Development in Japan

Attendees of the summit placed a strong emphasis on addressing two major topics: drug loss and drug lag. These challenges are not new to Japan’s pharmaceutical landscape, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) is making strides to reduce drug loss and lag in the past few years. The Council for Drug Discovery Initiative called for strategic action to eliminate these inefficiencies, streamline regulatory pathways, and ensure faster approval and adoption of new therapies.

Keiko Oishi and Hiroshi Kosaku were at the forefront of these discussions, aligning CMIC’s mission with the national drive to enhance the drug discovery ecosystem. With CMIC’s deep expertise in pharmaceutical development and its unique positioning as Japan’s first and largest Contract Research Organization (CRO), the Group is well-poised to contribute meaningfully to the goals outlined during the Summit.

A Pivotal Moment for Japan’s Pharmaceutical Industry

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the government’s commitment to making the pharmaceutical sector a key growth engine for the nation’s economy. In his remarks, he highlighted Japan’s scientific and technological prowess as critical drivers for the industry’s success, positioning the country to lead in global drug discovery and innovation.

Kishida’s vision, shared at the Summit, presents tremendous opportunities for pharmaceutical research in Japan. It aligns closely with CMIC Group’s mission to advance drug development and foster innovation by leveraging the Group’s extensive capabilities in clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and market entry support.

With over 70% of drug development in Japan being facilitated by CMIC Group, this alignment is particularly significant. By staying at the forefront of the country’s drug discovery initiatives, CMIC can continue to play a central role in helping Japan become a global leader in pharmaceutical research and development.

Aligning With the Future of Drug Discovery

As the government and industry stakeholders work together to promote improvements to drug discovery in Japan, CMIC Group remains committed to aligning with these initiatives. As a company with decades of experience, CMIC offers unparalleled expertise in guiding pharmaceutical companies through every phase of the drug development process, including:

• Full-service clinical and non-clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) solutions, supporting the entire drug development process from preclinical research to clinical trials and commercialization
• Expertise in Asia Clinical Trials
• Tailored solutions for oncology, addressing the complexities of cancer research
• Japan market entry support, helping global pharma companies navigate regulatory processes, cultural nuances, and business strategies for successful product launches in the Japanese market

The Drug Discovery Ecosystem Summit serves as a powerful reminder that Japan’s pharmaceutical industry is on the cusp of significant transformation. CMIC Group, with its deep expertise and innovative mindset, is eager to support the government’s vision, working alongside key stakeholders to shape the future of drug development in Japan.

For further information on the summit, visit the website for the Prime Minister’s Office in Japan