Regulatory Aspects of Cell and Gene Therapy Products: The Japanese Perspective

Regulations for regenerative medicine for human use, such as cell and gene therapy (CGT), have evolved in accordance with advancements in clinical experience, scientific knowledge, and social acceptance of these technologies. In November 2014, two acts, "The Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine" (ASRM) and the "Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, and Other Therapeutic Products Act" (PMD Act), came into effect in Japan. The responsibilities of medical institutions in ensuring the safety and transparency of such medical technologies are described under ASRM. The PMD Act provides the option of a new scheme for obtaining conditional and time-limited approval for CGT products. Overall, research and development on CGT products, especially gene therapy products, is progressing. New legislative frameworks have been designed to promote the timely development of new technologies and safe and effective CGT products for Japanese patients.