National Mar 26, 2023
Japanese man detained in China is employee of drugmaker Astellas
The Japanese government has been seeking the release of the man, in his 50s, as soon as possible. He may be facing spying allegations.
Asia Pacific / Science & Health Mar 23, 2023
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group said its independently developed mRNA vaccine targets some major omicron subvariants.
National / Science & Health Mar 22, 2023
Hay fever medicine in high demand amid high pollen count
by Kathleen Benoza
Sales of hay fever-related items such as anti-inflammatory nasal drugs more than doubled to 210% of last year's figure in the week from Feb. 27.
World / Science & Health | FOCUS Mar 20, 2023
Vaccine-makers prep bird flu shot for humans 'just in case'
by Jennifer Rigby
One current outbreak of avian flu has killed a record number of birds and infected mammals, but human cases remain rare.
National Mar 10, 2023
Japan reports first death directly linked to COVID-19 vaccine
by Tomoko Otake
The woman received a Pfizer shot targeting the omicron variant on Nov. 5 at a mass vaccination center.
Commentary / World Mar 8, 2023
Obesity drugs for kids? Why new guidelines make sense
by Lisa Jarvis
The American Academy of Pediatrics thinks drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro could help teens with weight loss.
Business Mar 4, 2023
Japanese pharmaceutical firm Takeda lowers price of dengue shot in Brazil and Indonesia
by Kanoko Matsuyama and Grace Huang
The cost for Qdenga in Indonesia will be about one-third its European price, far lower than many other innovative vaccines, Takeda CEO Christophe Weber said in an interview.
National / Science & Health Feb 28, 2023
Japan health ministry panel endorses nasal flu vaccine for children
by Tomoko Otake
Based on the results of a clinical trial involving children in Japan, the panel agreed that FluMist Quadrivalent is safe and effective in preventing the flu.
Business / Corporate Feb 27, 2023
Shionogi sees COVID pill reaping $2 billion in annual sales upon U.S. approval
CEO Isao Teshirogi said he expects U.S. approval of the drug could come by the winter of 2024, pending a late-stage trial.
Commentary / World Feb 27, 2023
A refreshing gamble on Crispr delivery
by Lisa Jarvis
Biotech startup Aera is trying to shake up the always-just-out-of-reach field of genetic medicine.
National | EXPLAINER Feb 27, 2023
Japan moves toward approving abortion pill in major shift
by Kathleen Benoza
Currently, surgery is the only option available to terminate a pregnancy in Japan.
National / Science & Health Feb 22, 2023
Shionogi says its drug Xocova may reduce risks of long COVID symptoms
by Tomoko Otake
For 14 major symptoms of COVID-19, 14.5% of those given Xocova reported at least one of the symptoms six months after the start of treatment, compared with 26.3% who were given a placebo.