Whither pharmaceuticals in Japan? In this interview, P. Reed Maurer shares his insights into “Big Pharma”, generics, and bioventures in the Japanese market. He reviews his lengthy experience in Japan, and lessons learned along the way. As a specialist in the pharmaceutical sector, he believes that Japan’s market offers a huge potential for Big Pharma, generics, and bioventures. Tune in to find out more.

P. Reed Maurer currently serves as Chairman of bioventure aRigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Director of generics leader Teva-KOWA Pharma Co., Ltd., and President of consulting firm International Alliances Limited. He has been working and living in Japan for some 40 years, all within the pharmaceutical industry.

He joined Eli Lilly in 1964 and was responsible for the Lilly operations in Japan from 1970 to 1976 as Vice President. He joined Merck & Co. as Vice President of Japan and China in 1976 and was responsible for the acquisition of Banyu Pharmaceutical Co. in 1983, the first such transaction involving a Japanese company listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. After leaving Merck in 1987 he was the first representative in Japan for the Pharmaceutical Research Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) until 1993.

P. Reed Maurer was born in Pennsylvania, USA, received an MS (Biology) from the University of Pennsylvania in 1962, attended the Sloan Program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1967-68, and was Associate Professor of embryology and genetics at Bucknell University until 1964.