Japan Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis

Japan Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis: Executive Summary

The Japan Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market is at around US $2.076 Bn in 2022 and is projected to reach US $3.235 Bn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.70% during the forecast period.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are long-term respiratory conditions that compromise the airways and cause difficulty breathing. Asthma causes inflammation and constriction of the airways, frequently caused by irritants, allergens, or physical exercise. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, with risk factors like respiratory infections and a family history of asthma. COPD, on the contrary, consists of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both of which cause airway blockage. Smoking is a major risk factor for COPD, with symptoms including weariness, increased mucus production, and a persistent cough. Both conditions are commonly treated with bronchodilators to relieve airway constriction and anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation. GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim are widely recognized pharmaceutical companies that offer treatments for COPD and asthma.

COPD poses a considerable burden in Japan, with an estimated prevalence of around 10%, while asthma is prevalent at approximately 7%. These prevalence estimates are directly associated with risk factors, such as smoking, environmental pollution, and other contributing factors. The market is being driven by factors such as the rise in prevalence of asthma and COPD, supportive policies, technological advancements in the therapeutics industry, and others. However, high treatment costs like innovative biologics, pricing constraints, and competition from traditional medicines are a few factors that limit the market's potential.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Surge in prevalence: The prevalence of COPD is estimated to be around 10% in adults aged 40 years and older and can go as high as 30–40% in the smoking population of Japan. Subsequently, the prevalence of asthma is around 7%, accounting for roughly 3 million of the Japanese population. This can be attributed to factors such as smoking, increasing urbanization, and environmental pollution. As the population ages rapidly, there is an increasing need for the management of chronic conditions such as COPD and asthma, which drives the market for growth.

Technological advancements: The ongoing advancement of novel drugs exhibiting enhanced effectiveness and targeted therapies, such as biologics and combination treatments, is propelling market growth. The expansion of the market is also influenced by the introduction of modern inhaler technologies characterized by improved targeting and user-friendly features.

Government initiatives: Initiatives undertaken by the government to detect, prevent, and control respiratory diseases early on have the potential to boost market growth. Additionally, market accessibility and affordability are improved through favourable reimbursement policies for innovative therapies and respiratory devices in Japan. Japan is also a member of associations such as the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), which further attracts new pharmaceutical entrants to the Japanese markets.

Market Restraints

Pricing constraints: The Japanese government enforces stringent price controls and policies for drug reimbursement, compelling manufacturers to provide products at lower prices. This practice may constrain the acceptance of innovative and costly therapies, even when they demonstrate superior efficacy.

Increased competition: In Japan, there is widespread use of generic drugs, known for their affordability but potentially lacking the effectiveness of more recent branded alternatives. This situation disincentivizes and limits the accessibility of innovative therapeutics in the market.

High costs of treatment: Japan's healthcare system, characterized by multiple tiers and the involvement of various parties, results in a complex drug pricing framework. This complexity can impede patient access, as it may lead to elevated co-payments or restricted coverage for newer and more costly medications, resulting in treatment non-compliance in many patients.

Notable updates

September 2022, In Japan, AstraZeneca's Tezspire (tezepelumab) has received approval for addressing bronchial asthma in patients experiencing severe or refractory conditions where asthma symptoms remain unmanageable despite the use of mid- or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and other long-term maintenance therapies.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

Japan's healthcare policy and regulatory framework comprise several key authorities and agencies. The primary entity overseeing healthcare regulations and licensing is the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW). The MHLW establishes the foundational laws for national health policy, which local governments implement. Furthermore, it serves as a crucial regulatory body for the Medical and Medical Practitioners Law, responsible for licensing medical practitioners and regulating medical devices.

Securing a license for healthcare products in Japan necessitates compliance with regulations set by the MHLW and local governments. These entities are responsible for supervising healthcare services, including the approval and monitoring of medical and healthcare products. Companies seeking registration and marketing authorization for pharmaceuticals and medical devices must obtain approval from the MHRA. This involves the submission of technical and scientific data to validate the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the product.

Japan's healthcare policy and regulatory structure involve a variety of authorities and agencies, with the MHLW playing a central role in the regulation of healthcare products. The diverse opportunities presented by both the public and private healthcare sectors in the country are attractive for companies operating within the healthcare industry.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Novartis
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
• AstraZeneca
• Chugai Pharmaceutical
• Daiichi Sankyo
• Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma
• Mochida Pharmaceutical Holdings
• Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma
• Fujifilm Toyo Pharma