Japan represents a unique combination of opportunity and complexity for global biopharma companies. Join Syneos Health experts for a deep dive into how to successfully navigate market entry — through a strategic lens we call the ART framework: Asset, Resource and Timeline.
As the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical market, Japan is bolstered by a universal healthcare system, rigorous regulatory standards and a population with stable and growing therapeutic needs. Yet, for foreign biopharma companies, launching a product in Japan can feel like entering a black box — where traditional strategies don’t always translate.
This webinar offers a clear path forward. Guided by seasoned Japan-based experts from Syneos Health, attendees will learn how to apply a disciplined yet flexible ART framework to plan and execute a successful Japan market entry strategy.
We’ll unpack what it takes to demonstrate asset value in Japan’s reimbursement-driven system, how to make high-impact resource decisions that support growth while minimizing risk and why timing is everything when launching in this highly structured environment. From regulatory steps to hiring considerations, from pricing levers to commercialization models, our experts will share practical insights drawn from real-world engagements with biopharma companies entering Japan.
You’ll also gain a behind-the-scenes look at how to leverage human-to-human engagement — still a dominant influence in Japan’s pharma landscape — to create competitive differentiation. Whether you’re exploring full in-market investment or a hybrid partnership model, this session will help you prioritize what matters most and accelerate your success.
Syneos Health has supported dozens of companies in entering Japan through tailored consulting, commercialization and building out local leadership teams. This webinar distills those lessons into an actionable roadmap — one that helps you avoid costly missteps and identify the most effective path to product launch.
If Japan is on your global expansion radar, this is the must-attend session that turns uncertainty into opportunity.
Register for this webinar to learn how to design a Japan pharmaceutical market entry strategy that aligns asset value, resources and timelines for long-term success.
Speakers
Yunke Song, PhD, Managing Director, Consulting, Japan, Syneos Health
Yunke Song, PhD, is a scientist by training but has acquired experience in an industry-leading financial institution, pharmaceutical company and consulting firms. Born in Beijing, raised in Japan and earning his PhD in the US, Yunke brings a multicultural background to the table, together with unique experience acquired through his diverse career. Yunke currently leads the Syneos Health Consulting practice in Japan and North APAC and brings in Syneos Health collective capabilities in Japan to maximize customer value in areas such as commercial, medical affairs, R&D and value and access, digital and corporate strategies.
Before joining Syneos Health Consulting, Yunke was leading management consulting projects at PwC Japan, covering commercial advisory and medical advisory, among other areas of practice, and serving as a key thought leader. Yunke also led Keytruda biomarker marketing in MSD Japan, as well as serving in the internal strategy office. Prior to that, Yunke was responsible for executing and proposing IPO and M&A activities at Morgan Stanley Japan Investment Banking Division.
Yunke earned his PhD specializing in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. He graduated as valedictorian and Summa Cum Laude from the Department of Bioscience and Informatics, Keio University Faculty of Science and Engineering. Yunke is fluent in Japanese, English and Chinese.
Message Presenter
Adam Kennedy, Vice President, TSP APAC, Syneos Health
With more than two decades of distinguished experience in executive search, Adam Kennedy stands as a preeminent figure in Asia-Pacific’s pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. His expertise spans diverse areas, notably excelling in rare diseases and collaborating with multinational corporations. As Vice President of TSP APAC, Kennedy spearheads efforts to identify top-tier talent, contributing to industry growth and organizational excellence.
Adam’s legacy is distinguished by his unique ability to curate leadership teams for pioneering orphan drug market entries and established rare disease firms. Beyond his profound impact within the industry, his global network sets him apart, enabling him to source exceptional candidates across borders and cultures. His prior engagement with the NHS in London further enriches his strategic approach, infusing a holistic perspective into his executive search strategies.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep-rooted understanding of the healthcare landscape, Adam Kennedy continues to redefine leadership in the pharmaceutical sector. As a driving force behind TSP APAC, his endeavors continue to shape the industry, placing exceptional leaders in roles that drive innovation and foster success.
Message Presenter
Pascal Rigaudy, Former Sanofi
Pascal Rigaudy, PharmD, PhD, MBA, is an international pharmaceutical executive passionate about science and patients with strong experience in Specialty Care, including Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rare Diseases, Transplantation, as well as significant operational experience across Asia, including more than 10 years in Japan.
Initially a scientist in molecular biology and pharmacology in France and in the US, he joined the pharmaceutical industry after completing an international MBA.
During his career spent at two major global pharmaceutical companies (Novartis, Sanofi), he had multiple strategic and operational positions. He was directly involved in the global launch and international development of major oncology products, led teams across multiple countries, especially in Australia, Asia Pacific and Japan.
Specifically in Japan, as Head of the Oncology Unit and then General Manager of Sanofi Genzyme, he led local development projects, built and managed teams for multiple successful product launches and had the opportunity to set up productive commercial partnerships.
He also led a major global acquisition project when working as Global Head of Transplant.
Over the recent years, Pascal has been supporting innovative companies that are either considering or actively entering the Japanese market, helping them across multiple activities, including market assessment, KOL engagement, medical education and setting up a local organization.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar will be of interest to professionals in the following roles:
- Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
- Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
- Head of Global Market Access
- Head of Global Pricing & Reimbursement
- Vice President, International Markets
- Vice President, Global Expansion
- Vice President, Business Development
- Executive Director, Global Commercial Strategy
- Senior Director, Asia Pacific Market Strategy
- Head of Japan Business Unit (or Japan General Manager, if planning to build a presence)
- Head of Regulatory Affairs (International or Japan-specific)
- Director, Global Product Strategy
- Head of Launch Excellence
- Senior Director, Portfolio Strategy
- Director, Strategic Partnerships/Licensing
- Market Intelligence/Competitive Intelligence Leads
- Head of Commercial Operations
What You Will Learn
Attendees will gain insight into:
How to Maximize Asset Value in Japan’s Unique Pricing and Reimbursement System
- Understand the pricing calculation methods, reimbursement pathways and premium levers that impact revenue — and how to tailor your product’s value story to succeed within them
The Most Efficient Go-to-Market Models for Japan — and When to Use Them
- Learn how to right-size your launch footprint — from full in-market build-outs to hybrid and out-license models — and how to meet minimum requirements for MAH designation
A Proven Timeline for Japan Launch Success: What to Do, When and Why
- Gain insight into a typical 24- to 36-month roadmap, including key milestones such as clinical trials, PMDA approval, MAH filing and reimbursement strategy — all aligned for optimal launch readiness
Xtalks Partner
Syneos Health®
Syneos Health® is a leading fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions organization built to accelerate customer success. They translate unique clinical, medical affairs and commercial insights into outcomes to address modern market realities. Together they share insights, use the latest technologies and apply advanced business practices to speed our customers’ delivery of important therapies to patients. They support a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.
To learn more about how we are shortening the distance from lab to life®, visit syneoshealth.com or subscribe to our podcast.
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