OVERVIEW OF THE JAPANESE CLINICAL TRIALS MARKET
Market Size and Growth:
- The Japanese clinical trials market is the third largest in the world, valued at USD 10.9 billion as of 2020.
- It is projected to reach USD 18.0 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%.
- This steady growth is driven by several factors:
- Clinical trials: Involve testing the drug on human volunteers in a series of meticulously designed phases:
- Aging population: Japan has the world's oldest population, creating a high demand for new drugs and treatments for age-related diseases.
- Advanced healthcare infrastructure: Japan boasts modern hospitals and a highly skilled medical workforce, providing a platform for high-quality clinical trials.
- Strong pharmaceutical industry: Japanese pharmaceutical companies like Takeda and Astellas invest heavily in R&D, leading to more clinical trials.
- Streamlined regulatory system: Recent reforms have made the clinical trial approval process faster and more efficient.
Key Players:
- Domestic pharmaceutical companies: Takeda, Astellas, Eisai, and Daiichi Sankyo are major players conducting and sponsoring clinical trials in Japan.
- International pharmaceutical companies: Global giants like Pfizer, Novartis, and Roche are increasingly conducting trials in Japan due to its attractive market size and efficient regulatory system.
- Contract research organizations (CROs): IQVIA, Parexel, and Syneos Health are leading international CROs with a strong presence in Japan. Domestic CROs like Quintiles Japan and Sosei Clinical Research are also gaining prominence.
- Clinical research sites: University hospitals, private hospitals, and research institutes comprise the majority of clinical research sites in Japan. The National Cancer Center Hospital and the University of Tokyo Hospital are among the most renowned research institutions.
Number of People Employed:
Several key players contribute to the success of clinical research:
- Direct and indirect employment in the Japanese clinical trials market is estimated to be around 600,000 people. This includes researchers, clinicians, nurses, data analysts, project managers, and administrative personnel.
- The demand for skilled professionals in the clinical research field is expected to rise further, driven by the market's growth.
Key Trends:
- Decentralized clinical trials: Gaining traction in Japan, offering greater convenience and access to patients in rural areas.
- Focus on rare diseases and personalized medicine: Addressing unmet medical needs for smaller patient groups and tailoring treatments to individual patients.
- Adoption of digital technologies: Artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and e-consent platforms are being used to enhance trial efficiency and data management.
- Increased data sharing and collaboration: Initiatives like the Japan Clinical Research Information System (JCRIS) are facilitating data sharing and collaboration between researchers.
- Emphasis on patient-centricity: Increasing focus on involving patients in trial design, decision-making, and outcome reporting.
Additional Points:
Identifying and reporting adverse events associated with a drug is crucial throughout its development and post-marketing surveillance.
Ethics: The Bedrock of Research
Maintaining the highest ethical standards is paramount in clinical research. Key principles include:
- Japan accounts for roughly 4.7% of global clinical trial activity.
- The SAKIGAKE program fast-tracks the approval process for innovative drugs with significant unmet medical needs, making Japan attractive for early-stage drug development.
- Ethical considerations and patient safety remain critical priorities in the Japanese clinical trials market.
The Japanese clinical trials market offers a unique and promising environment for research and development. Understanding the key trends and challenges will be crucial for both domestic and international players to capture the opportunities in this evolving market.
