“Challenges in Generic Drug Supply”: Policy Research Institute

Challenges in Generic Drug Supply

1.    Introduction
(1)    Generic drugs
Over the past 15 years, the proportion of generic drugs used in Japan has increased from around 35% to around 80%,  making it an indispensable component of our medical care today. Because the efficacy and safety of generic drugs have already been verified through its original brand-name drugs (“brand-name drugs”), generics can be generally developed in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost compared to the original drugs. 
The cost of our medication, excluding copayments, is covered by public health insurance funded through insurance premiums and taxes. Therefore, reducing drug prices helps lower the burden of insurance premiums and taxes, ultimately contributing to the reduction of costs for health insurance societies and the national government. In Japan, where the issue of rising national healthcare costs due to a declining birthrate and aging population is becoming increasingly serious, it is an urgent priority to reduce the burden of insurance premiums and taxes. Accordingly, the government is implementing policies to further promote the use and spread of generic drugs. 

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【Contents】

1.    Introduction

2.    The Nature of the Problem

3.    Background of Government Measures

4.    Legislative Changes Addressing the Issue

5.    Future Outlook

【Related Links】

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