Japan has approved over-the-counter sales of an emergency contraceptive pill for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the country's approach to women's reproductive health. ASKA Pharmaceutical announced that it has obtained marketing authorization for Norlevo, which will become Japan's first nonprescription morning-after pill.
The approval represents a major shift for Japan, which has been notably conservative in approving drugs related to women's reproductive health due to traditional views on women's roles in society. The emergency contraceptive pill is already available without prescription in more than 90 countries.
Regulatory Framework and Safety Measures
An expert panel of Japan's health ministry agreed Friday that Norlevo will be classified as a "medicine requiring guidance," meaning women must take the medication in the presence of a trained pharmacist. This classification falls under a new category established by the revised pharmaceuticals and medical devices law enacted in May, with Norlevo expected to be the first drug in this category.
The panel decided against setting age restrictions for access, though pharmacists will provide guidance as needed for individuals under 16, the age of consent to sexual acts. Importantly, parental consent will no longer be required, addressing a key concern raised by advocacy groups.
Clinical Efficacy and Usage
Norlevo works by preventing unwanted pregnancies when taken orally within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, according to ASKA Pharmaceutical. The medication has an efficacy rate of 80% and functions by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing or attaching to the wall of the uterus. The drug works best within 72 hours after unprotected sex, though it can be effective when taken within three to five days.
Path to Approval
ASKA Pharmaceutical filed for regulatory approval in 2024, following prescription-free trial sales conducted in 2023. During the trial period, Norlevo was made available at 145 pharmacies across Japan for individuals aged 16 and older. Previously, the pill had only been available at clinics or pharmacies with a doctor's examination and prescription.
The journey to approval has been lengthy, with selling the drug without prescription first discussed by a health ministry panel in 2017. At that time, a public consultation found overwhelming support across the country, but officials stopped short of approval, citing concerns that easier access would encourage irresponsible use.
Advocacy and Impact
Rights groups have long criticized the restrictive access to emergency contraception, arguing that prescription requirements deterred younger women and rape victims from seeking the medication. During the 2023 trial, campaigners called the program too small and advocated for complete removal of restrictions.
ASKA Pharmaceutical stated that wider access to the pill would "empower Japanese women in the area of reproductive health." While a specific launch date has not been announced, sales are expected to begin by year-end pending final ministry approval.
