As Japan faces skyrocketing syphilis cases, hopes have been high among domestic physicians for a single-dose therapeutic in the form of benzylpenicillin injection. But the country has approved the drug only recently and in answer to a push from doctors on the front line.

Three quarters of the way through its financial year, Sawai has half as much cash on its balance sheet as it did at the same stage in 2021/22, as the Japanese firm continues to be dogged by lower government-mandated prices and higher costs at home.

The impact of drug shortages in Japan, including of essential products, is being considered as part of government-level discussions to consider the appropriateness of the current reimbursement pricing system. Amid rising production costs and wider global challenges, some experts in the industry are now asking for price increases.

The impact of drug shortages in Japan, including of essential products, is being considered as part of government-level discussions to consider the appropriateness of the current reimbursement pricing system. Amid rising production costs and wider global challenges, some experts in the industry are now asking for price increases.