A controversial cell therapy for spinal injuries receives coverage under Japan’s national health scheme, amid signs that the pricing of regenerative therapies may come under more scrutiny, while the first CAR-T treatment in the country takes a step closer to market.

In another globally pioneering move, Japan approves a trial with its flagship iPS cell technology in spinal cord injury, following a controversial earlier marketing approval in the same indication.

Shire puts in solid results in last full year before Takeda acquisition, with 4% sales growth and strong cash flow, but there was some weakness in hematology stemming from lower ex-US prices and rising competition.

Already having launched several portfolio companies, Roivant goes a step further by spinning out CNS specialist Arvelle from Axovant. BI and IBM will incorporate blockchain technology in clinical trials, while AbbVie licenses multiple myeloma candidate from TeneoBio.

Janssen’s Japan country president says while the company is committed to pursuing innovation, from a policy angle it would like to see this adequately rewarded, given the broader societal benefits it can bring. Amid increasing competition from the rest of Asia, the executive says Japan also has the chance to take a global research leadership position through appropriate reforms.

Japan firms up proposals for expanded cost-effectiveness assessment scheme for selected drugs and devices after a policy committee outlines plans that could see associated price adjustments for reviewed products.