Accelerate Your J-NDA Submission with Japan Regulatory Experts

Strategic support from planning to approval - end-to-end assistance for your Japan NDA.

Let's Discuss Your J-NDA Plan

Celebrating Customers Success

J-NDA Submissions Are Not Just Translations of FDA NDAs

PMDA requires local data alignment & bilingual submission

Japan-specific CTD format (J-CTD) and review sequence

Coordination with local MAH or DMF holders

FDA NDA vs. J-NDA Requirements

Aspect FDA NDA (United States) J-NDA (Japan – PMDA)
Regulatory Body FDA (Food and Drug Administration) PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) + MHLW
Submission Language English Full submission in Japanese (Modules 1&2)
Scientific Advice Optional (Pre-IND, Type B/C meetings) Strictly recommended PMDA consultations (Clinical Study Protocol, CMC, etc.)
Clinical Data Requirements Global data is usually sufficient Mandatory Japanese clinical/bridging data
Legal Entity Requirement Foreign sponsors can apply directly Requires a Japan-based MAH or DMAH
Marketing License Requirement Not applicable Requires MBL (Marketing Business License)
CTD Format ICH CTD + FDA-specific Module 1 ICH CTD + Japan-specific Module 1 (eCTD mandatory)
Review Timelines ~10 months (Standard NDA), ~6 months (Priority) ~12 months (Standard), ~9 months (Priority), ~6 months (SAKIGAKE)
Accelerated Pathways Fast Track, Breakthrough, RMAT SAKIGAKE, Priority Review, Conditional Early Approval
Post-Marketing Requirements REMS (if applicable), variable PMS Mandatory RMP, GQP/GVP/GPSP compliance
Labeling In English Japanese language labeling is required

Our J-NDA Regulatory Support Includes:

End-to-end J-NDA strategy and Regulatory roadmap

Preparation of bilingual J-CTD modules

Bridging studies alignment with PMDA expectations

Local representative and AFM coordination

eCTD publishing and dossier submission services

8+ Years of PMDA Expertise

Extensive hands-on experience navigating Japan’s Regulatory framework and dossier expectations.

All MBL Types Secured

Full operational readiness to act as DMAH and support Regulatory submissions end-to-end.

Your Local Regulatory Backbone in Japan

Serving as a local Regulatory representative for global innovators entering Japan.

Integrated Regulatory & Market Access Strategy

Combining Regulatory planning with market access, pricing, and launch readiness.

55+ Clients. One Partner.

Delivering complete lifecycle support—from submission to post-approval compliance.

Led by Experienced Japan Regulatory Professionals

Our team includes bilingual experts with deep domain knowledge and decades of hands-on experience in J-NDA preparation, PMDA consultations, and local compliance.

Success Stories

  • Freyr Provided Comprehensive Regulatory Support Accelerating Global Submissions and Ensuring Compliance for a Japanese Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Company Across Multiple Markets

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  • Freyr Streamlined and Standardized Submission Processes for a Japanese Drug Manufacturer's Successful Market Entry into the US Market

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  • Freyr Provided Comprehensive Regulatory Support for Managing Partial Change Applications, Renewals, and Variations for a Global Healthcare Company in China and Japan

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  • Freyr Provided Strategic Regulatory Partnership Achieving 100% On-Time Submissions and 50% Cost Savings with a Scalable Hybrid Staffing Model for a Japanese Midsize Global Pharma and Biotech Company

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a J-NDA?
A Japan New Drug Application was submitted to the PMDA for marketing authorization. It follows the CTD format in Japanese and has Japan-specific requirements.
Can foreign companies submit a J-NDA directly?
No. A local MAH or DMAH with a valid MBL license is required to submit on behalf of foreign sponsors.
Is CTD format mandatory for J-NDA?
Yes. Modules 1 & 2 are required in Japanese. Module 1 follows PMDA-specific guidance.
Are PMDA consultations required?
No, but Pre-submission consultations (e.g., CMC, clinical) are strictly recommended and very useful for approval success.
How long is the J-NDA review process?
  • Standard: ~12 months
  • Priority: ~9 months
  • SAKIGAKE: ~6 months
Why do J-NDA submissions get delayed?

Common reasons:

  • Incomplete translations
  • Missing PMDA consultation
  • Lack of bridging data
  • DMAH not appointed
  • eCTD errors
What are the most common hurdles for U.S. pharma entering Japan?
  • Japanese CTD formatting
  • Translation errors
  • Lack of DMAH
  • Bridging study delays
  • Misalignment with PMDA processes
Is the eCTD format mandatory?
Yes. Japan requires eCTD with strict formatting and a unique Module 1 structure.
What’s required post-approval?
  • Local RMP
  • Post-approval clinical study plan
  • GVP/GPSP compliance
  • NHI pricing submission