Despite having multiple world-class pharma companies and innovative research, Japan is notably absent as a source of candidate vaccines for the coronavirus. The pandemic is again throwing into sharp relief past and present challenges around the country's vaccines sector.

Daiichi Sankyo unveils further restructuring moves, this time mainly in its R&D functions in Japan, as part of an ongoing strategic pivot towards oncology.

Daiichi Sankyo makes further vaccine business restructuring moves as it emphasizes oncology amid global generic challenges to its former big seller olmesartan.

Hot on the heels of the FDA approval, GlaxoSmithKline has received the green light for its shingles vaccine Shingrix from both the EU Commission and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare but it is remaining tightlipped about its commercialization plans.