Trend Analysis of Regulatory Approvals for Generics and Biosimilars in Japan: 15 Years of PMDA During Fiscal Years...

Generics and biosimilars play an important role in sustaining the universal healthcare insurance systems in Japan. The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) reviews the quality, efficacy, and safety of generics and biosimilars for marketing authorization in Japan. Trend analyses of generics and biosimilars in terms of regulatory science have rarely been published. The PMDA and National Institute of Health Sciences websites were verified for generics and biosimilars, and information related to guidelines and notifications and the number of newly approved generics and biosimilars for fiscal year (FY) 2009-2023 were compiled. Approximately 1,900 and 200 generic drug products were approved in Japan in FY 2010 and 2023, respectively. The number of approved generic drug products has gradually decreased to one-tenth in the past 15 years. Overall, 35 biosimilars were approved in FY 2009-2023. The number of approved biosimilars has increased since FY 2017. This article reported a trend analysis of generics and biosimilars in terms of guidelines, notifications, and the number of applied and approved drug products in FY 2009-2023. Our primary goal is to increase patient access to affordable generics and biosimilars with assurance in appropriate quality.