GM food regulatory terms debated

Article Abstract:

Japan has been chosen as the head of a working group that would provide risk analysis and risk assessment for genetically modified foods.

International economic relations, Plant Genetics

Biotechnology venture capital booms in Japan

Article Abstract:

A boom in the biotechnology venture industry is taking place in Japan. Institutional investors and venture capitalists are beginning to focus their energies on biotechnology.

Strategy & planning, Biochemistry

Drug bill cuts force firms overseas

Article Abstract:

Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare has imposed a 9.7% cut in National Health Insurance (NHI) drug prices. The government hopes to save about Y200 billion (US$1.5 billion) in medical expenses in the current fiscal year through this move, which will be the status quo until the adoption of a reference pricing system in 2000. While the reference pricing system will address the gap between the NHI reimbursement tariff and wholesale drug prices, the specifics of the plan will not be delineated until 1999. The current price cuts are mostly aimed at products whose daily reimbursement price greatly surpasses that of competing products.

Comment:

Japan: Ministry of Health and Welfare has imposed a 9.7% cut in National Health Insurance (NHI) drug prices

Government regulation (cont), Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing, Drugs, Article