Exclusive UniSafe distribution agreement between Owen Mumford and NIPRO outpaces expectations in Japan with new biosimilar launch
This agreement, in effect since 2019, has delivered a major new product launch by bringing a biosimilar to the Japanese market. The biosimilar is used with oncology (cancer) medications.
Since this product launched in late 2023, it’s already captured a significant share of the market in Japan, including for the original biologic combination product. Achieving such success in just the first three months of commercial release has surpassed both NIPRO’s and Owen Mumford’s expectations. Anecdotal feedback suggests this high acceptance rate has been boosted by UniSafe’s strong reputation in Japan, thanks to its user-friendly design and concealed needle.
The biosimilar product is delivered using Owen Mumford’s UniSafe safety syringe. UniSafe is a one-of-a-kind springless, passive safety device for 1mL pre-filled syringes, specifically designed to address some of the issues seen with traditional spring-based safety systems. Without a spring, UniSafe is dependable, intuitive, and simple to use. The secure plunger design helps prevent reuse and accidental removal. UniSafe is also made to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries.
Masanobu Iwasa, Director PharmaPackaging Division at NIPRO, shares:
“Japan’s regulatory environment is particularly strict, so achieving such fast and early success with the product is especially satisfying. Our careful development process, combined with our partnership with Owen Mumford, has clearly resonated with healthcare professionals and patients. The swift uptake of the product shows that we’re really meeting an existing demand.”
Tim Holden, Commercial Head, Pharmaceutical Services at Owen Mumford, adds:
“We’re highly committed to the Japanese market, and our strong presence has been significantly enhanced thanks to our UniSafe partnership with NIPRO. Healthcare demand in Japan is rising fast, with spending increasing by more than 20 percent between 2018 and 2025. Working with NIPRO, we’re aiming to keep bringing innovative therapies to Japanese patients.”
To learn more about UniSafe, contact Nipro PharmaPackaging Division (e-mail: pharmapackaging-japan@nipro.co.jp) or Owen Mumford (e-mail: tim.holden@owenmumford.com).