Bringing medicines that are out of reach to those who need them: A locally focused export model chosen by pharmaceutical companies.Nagawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Could you tell us what led you to introduce STANDAGE's automated trading service this time?

We started our business with the desire to deliver excellent Japanese pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to countries in Asia and Africa where healthcare systems are not adequately developed. However, we have repeatedly heard from local people that "Japanese products are of good quality, but they are not available."

Major Japanese pharmaceutical companies have not been proactive in countries with small market sizes, and in countries with populations of 3 to 5 million, it is often judged that the business is "too much trouble for the potential profit." As a regulated industry, pharmaceuticals require different approvals and systems in each country, and the effort involved in the procedures cannot be ignored. As a result, they have faced a dilemma where they cannot meet the needs of the local market even if there is a need.

It was in this context that we came across "Omakase Trading." We heard that they had strengths in overseas logistics, compliance with legal regulations, and understanding local conditions, and we felt that "this is the way we can turn our ideas into reality," so we decided to implement it.

What exactly did it entail?

The greatest value lies in our flexible support system that takes local conditions into account. What we were looking for was not just exporting products, but delivering pharmaceuticals that meet local needs in an appropriate manner. For example, in Mongolia, we received many requests for medicines to alleviate the symptoms that people were suffering from, but expensive medical treatment was not realistic given the local economic situation.

STANDAGE provides proposals and support tailored to these specific circumstances. Furthermore, with on-site visits difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic, STANDAGE's network across Asia and Africa proved to be a great asset. In the past, we had attempted to collaborate independently with partners in Iran and other countries, but these did not yield sufficient results. Now, thanks to STANDAGE's on-site support, we are gradually able to shape the medical support we envision.

What effects have you seen since implementing it?

Since its implementation, several projects have begun. For example, in Mongolia and Malaysia, we have been able to collaborate with local governments and medical professionals to select and export high-demand medicines. This is a result made possible by STANDAGE's support, which enables locally-based responses.

I feel a sense of accomplishment in realizing a two-way exchange, where we are delivering medicines that are truly needed locally, rather than a one-way export where Japan is simply forcing what it wants to sell.

What kind of support do you expect from Omakase Trading in the future?

Going forward, we aim to deepen direct cooperation with the Ministry of Health in each country (equivalent to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) and create a system that allows us to integrate into the public systems of those countries. To achieve this, building trusting relationships with partner companies like STANDAGE, which are deeply rooted in the local community, is essential.

Furthermore, the prevalent diseases vary from country to country. For example, diabetes is known to be common in Islamic countries due to the influence of the custom of drinking sweet tea and ceremonial culture. We want to work with STANDAGE to develop a system that accurately understands these regional characteristics and allows us to select and export pharmaceuticals that are appropriate for those needs.

Comment from Mr. Odani of Nagawa Pharmaceuticals

For companies like ours, which want to provide meticulous medical support to niche countries that large corporations find difficult to enter, "Omakase Trading" is an extremely reassuring presence. We don't prioritize profit; we conduct our business with the primary goal of "delivering what people need to those in need." We are grateful to STANDAGE for sharing this aspiration and translating it into concrete actions to support us.

Going forward, we hope to continue working together to deliver Japanese medical technology to as many countries and as many people as possible.