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2025.03.27

INFO

The website of the External Formulation Association has been renewed.

About external drugs

Patch

It is a drug product in which the active ingredient and other components are spread as a thin layer over a fabric or plastic film. When this drug product is applied to the skin, the active ingredient is absorbed and exert its intended effect.

Liniment

A drug that is effective when applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. Generally, they are used to treat and alleviate diseases and injuries.

Outline of the association

The purpose of this Association is to investigate a nd study the issues related to drug products for external use (patches and creams) and to improve the relationship among the members, as well as to contribute to the improvement of national medical care through the smooth supply of external drugs.

The Association conducts the following activities to achieve the intended objectives:

Exchange of information among members and compilation of fair opinions
Collection of internal and external information on the efficacy, safety, quality assurance, and research studies of external drugs
Research on approval, registration, and reevaluation of external drugs
Survey and research on the quality of raw materials of external drugs to ensure supply and demand
Research on how to ensure the wide use and expansion of external drugs
Conduct of academic seminars and symposia on external drugs
Studies on the establishment of good order in external drugs distribution
Promotion of fair promotional activities for external drugs
Communication with relevant administrative organs and organizations, and submission of opinions
Other matters necessary for the achievement of the Association's purpose

Message from chairperson

Our council was established in 1979 (originally as the External Preparation Development Research Association) and will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2024. As a trade-specific organization within the Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Associations of Japan, we conduct research and studies on various issues related to external preparations. Our aim is to contribute to the improvement of national healthcare through smooth and stable supply.

Since our inception, we have established the efficacy and safety of topical transdermal analgesics with solid evidence, promoted educational activities to healthcare professionals and patients, and focused on improving quality. As a result, external patches have become an indispensable therapeutic means in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain and osteoarthritis. This is strongly recommended for evidence-based use in the latest "Chronic Pain Treatment Guidelines" (March 2018) and "Guidelines for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee 2023."

Furthermore, systemic transdermal preparations developed by applying the transdermal absorption technology cultivated with topical transdermal analgesics have indications for a wide range of diseases such as cancer pain, dementia, and Parkinson's disease. These contribute to the improvement of patients' quality of life and the extension of healthy life expectancy. We believe that the role of external patches will become increasingly important in the future.

Additionally, since 2019, companies that develop and manufacture topical ointments have joined us to address various issues related to these products. We are engaged in educational activities to promote basic pharmaceuticals such as steroids and antifungal agents among topical ointments.

Going forward, we will continue to strive to contribute to the improvement of national healthcare through external preparations. We are committed to ensuring a stable supply and promoting innovation through new transdermal absorption technologies. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support.

Chairperson Misako Fujioka