Japan’s Regulatory Evolution: Enabling Early Market Entry for Global Pharma
Schedule
Tue Jan 13 2026 at 09:30 am to 11:30 am
UTC-08:00Location
FOCUS Innovation Studio | San Francisco, CA
About this Event
Organizer: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) Washington D.C. Office
Learn about Japan’s Regulatory Evolution!
- Streamlined and predictable entry: Japan ensures clear timeline for regulatory and pricing review, providing emerging biopharma with a highly predictability from approval application to revenue.
- Immediate, nationwide scale in a top-tier market: Once NHI pricing is granted, companies gain access to the entire country without regional reimbursement battles—crucially, in what is effectively the fourth-largest pharmaceutical market.
- High-value environment for innovation: Japan continues to reward differentiated therapies with stable reimbursement and strong demand, making it a particularly attractive market for biotechs looking to translate cutting-edge science into durable commercial value.
This in-person event is perfect for anyone curious about the future of biotech in Japan. Network, learn, and get the inside scoop on what’s changing and why it matters!
AGENDA
9:30 Welcome: Kate Gunning, (Managing Partner, Focus Academy)
9:35-9:40 Opening Remarks: Avanish Mishra (Principal Advisor (Japan), Ishitaan Ventures)
Meeting Briefing:
Akihiro Ishiguro (Head, PMDA D.C. Office) or Koki Fukuhara (Senior Technical Officer, PMDA D.C Office)
9:40-10:00 Expert Keynotes:
The Characteristics of Pharmaceutical Regulation and Attractiveness of Developing Innovative Medical Products in Japan
Akihiro Ishiguro and Koki Fukuhara
10:00-11:30 Q & A Session and Panel Discussions:
Panelists
Avanish Mishra, Akihiro Ishiguro, Koki Fukuhara, Geetha Rao (CEO, Springborne Life Sciences), Nicola Wall (CEO, Afortiori Bio)
Closing Remarks
Akihiro Ishiguro
Where is it happening?
FOCUS Innovation Studio, 181 2nd Street, San Francisco, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00


















