Shares of Japanese pharmaceutical companies fell in early Tokyo trading on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump launched a website offering discounted prescription drugs. Major firms like Sumitomo Pharma, Chugai Pharmaceutical, and Takeda Pharmaceutical saw declines, dragging down the overall drugmaker sector. Trump had announced deals with 16 of the world's largest drugmakers on Thursday for most-favored-nation pricing in exchange for tariff exemptions.
On February 6, 2026, shares in Japanese pharmaceutical companies dropped sharply at the open of Tokyo trading. The trigger was the launch on Thursday by U.S. President Donald Trump of TrumpRx.gov, a website providing discounted prescription medicines. This followed agreements with 16 of the largest global drugmakers to apply most-favored-nation prices for Americans, in return for exemptions from U.S. tariffs.
Notable declines included Sumitomo Pharma (4506.T), which fell 4.5%, and Roche affiliate Chugai Pharmaceutical (4519.T), down 3.1%. Japan's biggest drugmaker, Takeda Pharmaceutical (4502.T), slipped 1.5%. The drugmaker sector index (.IPHAM.T) lost 1.6%, making it the second-worst performer among the Tokyo Stock Exchange's 33 industry sub-indexes.
The reaction underscores concerns that the Trump administration's drug pricing initiatives could ripple through the international pharmaceutical sector. The website's debut chilled market sentiment, particularly for Japanese firms. Analysts note that such policies may have lasting effects on global supply chains, though the full extent will depend on future developments.
