What is needed to enhance Japan's drug discovery capabilities
The decline in Japan's pharmaceutical development, or so-called "drug discovery capability," has become a major issue in recent years. Although the Japanese pharmaceutical industry once led the world, it is currently struggling amidst international competition. Why has Japan's drug discovery capability declined?
According to expert analysis, the fundamental cause is not pointed out to be a shortage of "drug discovery seeds," which serve as the foundation for new medicines. Japan possesses numerous excellent research results and ideas, and the level of basic research remains at a high standard.
The true challenge is said to lie in the "initial design" required to organize research results into a form that companies and investors can accurately evaluate, and to connect them to practical application. To turn excellent research into a successful business, it is essential to be conscious of market needs from an early stage and to clarify the path for development.
Moving forward, there is a need to create a system where universities and research institutions collaborate more closely with companies to efficiently translate research results into drug development. For Japan's drug discovery capability to shine on the world stage once again, strengthening the bridge between research and business will be a key factor for the future.