Jouhou Koukai Publishing, a Jouhou Koukai business

Jouhou Koukai Announces an Upgrade of JAD Japan Master Files Database

TOKYO, October 26, 2006 - Jouhou Koukai Publishing, a business of JKS LLC today announced the launch of the Japan Master Files Database - the latest upgrade of its flagship Japan Approvals Database (JAD).

The Japan Master Files Database is one of the extended JAD databases serving as an online resource for regulatory affairs specialists, planning professionals, business development managers, medical writers, researchers or anyone looking for better understanding of the dynamics of the Japan pharma - the second largest market in the world. With the latest update the number of registered Master Files in Japan has reached 2,053 submitted by totally 603 sponsors from Japan, Italy, China, Korea, France and 30 other countries. Full statistics is available at the JAD Demo site.

Potential users of Japan Master Files Database include pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, manufacturers of API, bulk substances and derivatives, and market-evaluating investment entities. Registered subscribers can sort among 12 different categories and review key pieces of information about individual products.

1. Consecutive number of the entries up to 2,053 2. Registration number 3. Registration date 4. Registrant name 5. Alternative name 6. Registrant address 7. Registration item 8. Registration update 9. Registration classification 10. JAD ID Number - JAD Identification Number 11. Status 12. Remarks - such as JAD Entity references, etc.

The Japan Master Files Database comes with a handy companion: the separately published guide "Japan Master Files - Overview". As a companion to the JAD-MF Database published simultaneously is the 82-page JKS Milestone document entitled “Japan Master Files – Overview” – the only and fullest up-to-date English-language description of the basics of the Master File system as implemented in Japan. Translated are excerpts from the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law (PAL) of Japan and key notifications from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW). Illustrated representation of the Master Files system is provided, along with the details of registration procedure, the Governmental entities responsible for MF handling and the sample forms used for submission. Research and use of the document is aided by the inclusion of complete references and numerous annotations to help novices to Japanese pharmaceutical regulations.

The newly added JAD Japan Master Files Database and “Japan Master Files – Overview” follow the radical reform of the Japanese pharmaceutical affairs bringing considerable – and previously not permitted opportunities for the foreign pharmaceutical developers, manufacturers and distributors to enter and expand in Japan. As the second largest single country pharma market in the world Japan has always been attractive for overseas entrants in spite of regulatory, trade and linguistics barriers. Dedicated to supporting all new players in the Japanese pharmaceutical market, now by introducing the English-language JAD Japan Master Files Database paired with “Japan Master Files – Overview”, JKS Publishing further facilitates the entry of a wide range of bulk substances and active pharmaceutical ingredients makers from around the world, including the emerging pharma markets of India, China and Korea.

Subscription for 1 year for the Japan Master Files Database and the "Japan Master Files - Overview" are available as a set, refer to the Purchase options here. As the only English-language sources of information on Japanese MF, both the database and the guide are providing valuable support in the strategic planning, licensing, partnering and investment decisions on entry or expansion option into the Japanese pharma market.

Additional product and subscription information about the new offers is available from the JKS web site:

• For introduction

• Pre-subscription orientation

• Secure subscription

• Complete Table of Contents of “Japan Master Files – Overview” is available here

• JKS Documents Store

The JAD Databases are accessible only by the registered subscribers. For browsing all documents and reports published by Jouhou Koukai Publishing, please visit the JKS Documents Store.

About Jouhou Koukai Services

Jouhou Koukai Services LLC and its business Jouhou Koukai Publishing is a leading provider of English-language information products and services to professional end users in regulatory, scientific, pharma, business and intellectual property (IP) information markets. The Company offers databases, intelligence, and services such as electronic publishing, document delivery and market research with focus on the Japanese life sciences and medicinal products industries primarily to the regulatory, executive, business development, licensing, IP, IT (including e-health), research and medical communication professionals worldwide.

Media contact:
Tel: +81-367-174-195 / pr_jks(at)jouhoukoukai.com
Subscribers inquires: orders(at)jouhoukoukai.com

to the only English-language database of approved pharma products in Japan.

This is a CAN-SPAM compliant service email. Jouhou Koukai Editorial office is located at Shinagawa Intercity Tower A, 28F, Konan 2-15-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-6028, Japan. Send further inquiries to pr_jks(at)jouhoukoukai.com. Copyright © 2006 by Jouhou Koukai Services LLC. All rights reserved.