Japan’s regulators have approved a large batch of new products, including a novel antibody from Chugai, two world-first nods for the country’s second HIF-PH inhibitors and an asthma therapy, and the first Humira biosimilar in Japan – as well as five drugs from Novartis.

Novel antibody-drug conjugate receives approval in Japan for second-line breast cancer, providing another push to Japanese firm’s strategic plan to build up its oncology operations.

The European research-based pharma industry in Japan continues to call for a pricing system that better encourages innovation and for inclusive discussions on reforms that address health system challenges and focus on patients.