Insight on PMDA Regulatory Procedures, Key Stages, Timing, and CMC Requirements for Bio-Therapeutic Products in Japan

Abstract

The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a basic understanding of legal regulatory systems, marketing authorization application, the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Agency (PMDA) review process, key stages and timing and CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls) requirements in Japan, with a focus on biotherapeutic/biological drug products for human use. The PMDA has some stringent CMC data requirements, which make Japan unique. Japan’s regulatory environment is significantly more complicated than any other country. The level of accuracy and details required by the Japanese regulatory authority is sometimes even greater than the US FDA (the United States Food and Drug Administration), the EMA (the European Medicine Agency) or any other pharmaceutical regulatory agency