Japan release of new breast cancer, diabetes drugs delayed over pricing

PharmaceuticalsEli Lily and Novo Nordisk treatments received approval at least 6 months agoTrump's drug price control policy could add pressure on Japan to raise prescription drug prices. (Source photos Nikkei)Nikkei staff writersAugust 23, 2026 05:49 JSTTOKYO -- The release of newly approved breast cancer and diabetes

In June, the health ministry revealed that breast cancer screenings would require doctors to notify patients that they had dense tissue — a potential early warning sign of cancer.

For a woman diagnosed with a suspicious breast lesion in a Ghanaian community, finding the problem may be only the beginning of a much longer journey. She may need to leave her community for a hospital, undergo further tests and eventually begin treatment. But Breast Care International says too often there is no one to