17-Mar-16 Canon Inc is to buy Toshiba Corp's medical equipment unit for JPY665.5 bn (USD6 bn). Canon, which makes X-ray machines and eye examination devices, has been trying for years to expand into high-margin medical devices, particularly as demand for traditional cameras has declined with the advent of smartphones. [image: Reuters]

29-Feb-16 The Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO), which has set a foreign direct investment target of USD300 bn by 2020, is now wooing Indian pharmaceutical companies to maximize its conducive research-innovation ecosystem and advanced manufacturing infrastructure. To this end Japan has amended the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, drastically improving the approval process for medicine and medical devices. [image: JETRO]

19-Jan-16 Currently, there is no global standard for mHealth in clinical trials, and the use of wearable devices raise regulatory challenges as sponsors question whether regulatory agencies in Asia and globally will accept mHealth data. Of particular concern are the expectations around safety monitoring. [image: BioSpectrum]

28-Dec-15 Japan's government has approved a draft budget for 2016 including JPY82.5 bn for the Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare (MHLW) to promote development of innovative new drugs and medical devices, based on the comprehensive strategy for strengthening the pharmaceutical industry announced in Sep-15. Among others, this budget will fund initiatives to promote the practical application of genomic medicine. [image: Tohoku University]

25-Dec-15 Japan's first new school of medicine in 38 years will open close to Narita Airport with the aim of capitalizing on the medical tourism market and attracting foreign visitors for medical check-ups and treatments from world-class physicians. Foreign visitors will be offered general checkups, advanced medical care and the opportunity to see the sights of Tokyo. [image: International University of Health and Welfare]