Japan Anemia Drugs Market Analysis

Japan Anemia Drugs Market Executive Summary

The Japan Anemia Drugs market was valued at $993 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.40% from 2022 to 2030 and will reach $2038 Mn in 2030. Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the concentration of hemoglobin in them is lower than usual. Hemoglobin is required to carry oxygen, and if you have too few or malformed red blood cells, or not enough hemoglobin, your blood's capacity to carry oxygen to the body's tissues will be reduced. Symptoms include weariness, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath, among others. The ideal hemoglobin concentration required to meet physiologic needs varies according to age, gender, elevation, smoking habits, and pregnancy status. Nutritional deficiencies, mainly iron deficiency, though deficits in folate, vitamins B12 and A are also key causes; hemoglobinopathies; and infectious illnesses, such as malaria, TB, HIV, and parasite infections are the most common causes of anemia.

The report shows that in 2019, the sales of anemia drugs in Japan reached 269.7 billion yen, an increase of 4.4% compared to the previous year. The market is mainly driven by the aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease, which is a common cause of anemia. In terms of the types of anemia drugs, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are the most commonly prescribed. In 2019, ESAs accounted for 80.6% of the total sales of anemia drugs in Japan. Other types of anemia drugs include iron supplements, vitamin B12 preparations, and folate preparations.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Japan has one of the oldest populations in the world, with a large proportion of elderly citizens. Anemia is more common in older adults, and as the population continues to age, the demand for anemia drugs is expected to increase. According to 2020 estimates, over 28% of the Japanese population was over the age of 60, and 25.9% were over the age of 65, a proportion that is expected to rise to 29.1% in the next few years. Chronic kidney disease is a common cause of anemia. Japan has a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease, which is expected to contribute to the growth of the anemia drugs market. With better awareness and diagnostic tools, more cases of anemia are being identified and treated. This is expected to drive demand for anemia drugs in Japan. Pharmaceutical companies are actively developing new anemia drugs, which is expected to expand the product portfolio and increase competition in the market. This could result in increased innovation, improved efficacy, and lower prices for consumers. The Japanese government is taking steps to improve healthcare access and affordability, including expanding coverage for anemia drugs. This is expected to increase demand for these products.

Market Restraints

In Japan, the anemia drug industry is very competitive, and biosimilar copies of established drugs are becoming more common. This could put pressure on drug producers' prices and limit their profitability. Japan has stringent pharmaceutical laws, including a lengthy clearance process for new treatments. This can make bringing novel anemia treatments to market difficult and time-consuming for corporations. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), in particular, can have substantial side effects, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. This has raised safety concerns and heightened regulatory attention. Anemia treatment is developing, with new techniques such as iron supplementation and blood transfusions being used. This could have a long-term influence on the market for anemia medications.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Pfizer
• Astellas Pharma
• Takeda Pharmaceutical
• Daiichi Sankyo Company
• Chugai Pharmaceutical
• Otsuka Holdings Co.
• Roche
• Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma
• Eisai
• GSK

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The regulatory authority responsible for approving anemia drugs in Japan is the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). The PMDA is a regulatory agency that operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW). The PMDA is responsible for reviewing and approving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and regenerative medicine products in Japan. It assesses the quality, efficacy, and safety of these products, and ensures that they meet the regulatory requirements for marketing in Japan. The PMDA operates a rigorous approval process for drugs, which involves a comprehensive review of clinical trial data and other relevant information. The agency also conducts post-marketing surveillance to monitor the safety and effectiveness of approved products and takes appropriate action if any safety concerns arise.

In addition to the PMDA, drugs in Japan are also subject to pricing and reimbursement regulations set by the MHLW. The MHLW sets reimbursement prices for drugs based on their therapeutic value and cost-effectiveness, and the prices are subject to periodic review and adjustment. This can impact the profitability of drug manufacturers and their ability to compete in the market.

Reimbursement Scenario

In Japan, anemia drugs are subject to pricing and reimbursement regulations set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). The MHLW sets reimbursement prices for drugs based on their therapeutic value and cost-effectiveness.

The reimbursement price for anemia drugs is based on a system called the National Health Insurance (NHI) drug price list. The NHI drug price list is revised every two years, and it considers the clinical benefits and economic impact of the drug.

Anemia drugs in Japan are classified into different categories, depending on their therapeutic use, and are subject to different pricing and reimbursement regulations. For example, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are subject to a price revision every two years, based on their therapeutic value and cost-effectiveness. Iron supplements, on the other hand, are reimbursed at a fixed price, with no price revision.