How is real-world evidence becoming a core pillar of market access and pricing strategy in Japan?

In this episode of The Real-World Talk, Christian Boettcher (Partner at L.E.K. Consulting) shares his perspective on how pharmaceutical companies are using real-world data to strengthen pricing negotiations, support reimbursement discussions, and accelerate access to innovative therapies in Japan.

Drawing on more than 25 years of consulting experience across the life sciences industry, Christian explains why real-world evidence has rapidly evolved from a secondary capability into a strategic necessity for pharmaceutical and biotech companies operating in Japan.

The discussion explores how companies can leverage Japanese real-world data to demonstrate treatment value in local clinical settings, support launch and repricing discussions, and build stronger long-term market access strategies.

The conversation also examines the unique characteristics of Japan’s healthcare data ecosystem, including fragmented EHR infrastructures, strict privacy regulations, data quality challenges, and ongoing government-led digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving healthcare data accessibility and interoperability.

In addition, Christian shares his outlook on the future of real-world evidence in Japan, highlighting how evolving regulatory policies, conditional approvals, HTA implementation, and efforts to address drug loss are reshaping expectations for pharmaceutical companies entering or expanding in the Japanese market.

A practical and forward-looking discussion for HEOR, market access, and commercial teams looking to better understand the evolving role of real-world evidence in Japan’s healthcare landscape.

Meet the Expert

Christian Boettcher is an L.E.K. Partner who advises C-suite and senior executives in the life sciences and healthcare sectors in Japan and across the Asia-Pacific region. With more than 25 years of consulting experience worldwide, Christian partners with clients to address their most critical challenges in the areas of corporate strategy, commercial excellence, M&A and large-scale transformation.

Christian works with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, healthcare providers, payers and government entities, supporting their global, regional and local leadership teams in driving growth, market entry, portfolio transformation, and operational improvement in highly regulated and competitive markets.

Based in Tokyo, Christian brings a distinctly global perspective to serving clients, having lived and worked in Japan and across APAC, as well as in Europe and North America.

Before joining L.E.K., Christian held senior partner and leadership roles at several top global consultancies, where he served as APAC life sciences and healthcare sector lead, led major multinational client engagements, and built and scaled high-performing, multicultural consulting teams across APAC.

Contact

For further information about MDV’s real-world data solutions, or to discuss potential collaboration opportunities, please contact:

Medical Data Vision Co. Ltd (MDV)
Overseas Business Development Office
Mail to：rwd_customer@mdv.co.jp

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