Japan’s Emphasis On Generics Spurs Broad Production Expansion

Taking advantage of the government's push for lower-cost drugs, Japanese generics companies are more than doubling production. Next year, it is estimated national generic production will be as much as 2.3 times the size of last year's production capacity. Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical alone plans to spend $66.5 million by the end of next year to expand capacity at just one plant, nearly doubling its oral medicines capability. Sawai Pharmaceutical, Towa Pharmaceutical and Nipro also plan expansions, and Taiyo Yakuhin expects its expanded facilities to be on-line in September, producing anti-cancer drugs. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required