#Japan #Tokyo #Alfresa Holdings #Kidswell Bio #Kaiohm Bio

Alfresa Holdings and Partners Secure Government Grant

In a significant development for the biopharmaceutical sector in Japan, Alfresa Holdings along with Kidswell Bio and Kaiohm Bio, has been approved for a grant from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. This initiative, part of the “Biologics Follow-up Products Domestic Manufacturing Facility Support Project,” was officially announced on May 21, 2025. The joint application aims to advance the establishment of a stable domestic supply chain for biosimilars in Japan.

The grant seeks to ensure that biosimilars, which are biologic medical products highly similar to already approved reference products, are produced locally. The goal is to make these more accessible and economically feasible for patients, thereby expanding treatment options and reducing overall healthcare costs. The involvement of Mycenax Biotech Inc. (MBI), a CDMO based in Taiwan with extensive experience in the development and manufacturing of biosimilars, is also crucial to this project.

Biosimilars have been increasingly recognized for their potential to deliver equivalent quality, safety, and efficacy comparable to their original counterparts while being offered at lower prices. The Japanese government has been actively promoting biosimilar use as part of its healthcare policies, yet the current market only offers a limited number of biosimilars compared to Europe and the United States. Despite the fact that usage rates of biosimilars for certain originator drugs have exceeded 80% in other regions, Japan lags behind with only a small fraction of approved biosimilars available in the market.

Existing issues include the overwhelming dependency on imported biosimilars and the need for domestic manufacturing capabilities to strengthen the supply chain infrastructure. The grant will facilitate this by leveraging the expertise of the four partner organizations: Alfresa Group, with its established pharmaceutical distribution network; Kidswell, involved in biosimilar product development; Kaiohm, a key player in antibody research and development; and MBI, recognized for facility design and personnel training in biopharmaceutical production.

The Project's Goals and Expected Outcomes

The joint effort aims to cultivate skilled professionals in biologics manufacturing while ensuring a steady supply of effective medications critical for patient care. Each company will contribute its unique strengths to create an integrated value chain that encompasses everything from biosimilar development and manufacturing to distribution.

This project underscores the increasing demand for domestically produced medical products and the urgent need to enhance Japan's competitive edge in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. By addressing the existing gaps in the biosimilars market, this collaboration not only aims to fulfill the nation's healthcare needs but also to strengthen economic security through the development of local production capacities.

The involvement of MBI introduces a wealth of experience in establishing GMP-certified facilities, ensuring that the biosimilars produced adhere to international quality standards. As the Japanese healthcare system evolves, initiatives like this one are fundamental in meeting the healthcare demands of the population while controlling costs and ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare infrastructure.

About the Partner Organizations

Alfresa Holdings is Japan's leading pharmaceutical distributor with a wide-ranging supply chain network supporting various medical needs. Their commitment to enhancing public health is evident in their efforts to provide consistent and reliable medication access across Japan.

Kidswell Bio focuses on creating value through biotechnology, specifically in pediatrics. With several biosimilar products already on the market, the company aims to expand its product offerings while engaging in cutting-edge clinical research in cell therapy, fostering innovative treatment options for patients.

Kaiohm Bio is renowned for its unique antibody development technologies, aiming to address unmet medical needs through innovative therapeutics. Their involvement further empowers the project by infusing high standards in drug development and support services.

With this grant, the collective goal is to not only establish a robust ecosystem for biosimilar production but also to enhance the overall landscape of biomedicine in Japan, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.

In summary, the collaboration of these companies marks a pivotal moment for the future of biosimilars in Japan. By working together under this grant, the partners can significantly impact healthcare cost management, improve patient access to essential medications, and drive innovation in the dynamics of the pharmaceutical industry in Japan.