The Taiwanese legislature passed the “Biotech and New Pharmaceutical Development Act” in June 2007. The Act is designed to offer incentives to companies in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. In one major change, the Act allows publicly-funded researchers to help private companies... Read More
After decades of slow growth, India's economy is now advancing rapidly. From 1996 to 2006 its GDP grew at an average rate of 7% yearly, and this growth figure increased to 10% in 2006. It is expected to keep growing at 7%... Read More
Japan's long recession is over. After a frustrating period of starts, stops, and even reverses in economic growth (1990-2002), Japan's GDP growth has stayed near or above 2% since 2003. With its affluent and aging population, Japan is the second-largest medical market... Read More
Based on a meeting of State drug controllers organized by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), over 30 combination drugs have been ordered for removal from the market. In addition, the review of over 1,000 other combinations drugs has also been... Read More
The MHLW has decided to establish a special exception to allow the use of non-approved drugs for patients suffering from serious illnesses and having no possible alternatives for treatment. Currently, individual import of medical treatments is allowed in certain cases, but this... Read More
Recent reports on counterfeit drugs in Thailand have prompted several government agencies, including the Intellectual Property Department, to investigate and crack down on fake drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Thailand said that over 30 sellers of fake drugs were... Read More
In January 2007, the revised International Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices developed by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Association (IFPMA) became effective. Though the Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (SAPI) is part of the IFPMA, it has only recently stated... Read More
The biotech market in Japan is one of the largest in the world at over $15 billion. With various government incentives such as tax exemptions and annual funding, the biotech market is steadily growing. Foreign companies have also increased their presence with... Read More
For a long time, India was closed to many foreign markets through government protectionism and a nationalistic tariff system. Today, however, India is ripe for market entry for many industries, including medical devices. Entering soon (or expanding one's business there) will help... Read More
With persistent issues of corruption and counterfeiting, China has implemented various policies to address its troubled pharmaceutical industry. From the antibiotic Xinfu scare, which led to at least 10 deaths to a bribery investigation of the former head of the State Food... Read More