Japan launches second non-prescription emergency contraceptive pill
April 2026 — A new levonorgestrel-based emergency contraceptive (EC) pill, Lesoeru 72, has been approved and launched in Japan, becoming the second brand available without a prescription in the country.
According to Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd., approval was granted on 10 February 2026, with distribution starting in March. Lesoeru 72 is classified as a pharmaceutical product requiring guidance, meaning it can be obtained without a prescription but only under the supervision of a trained pharmacist.
Its approval follows nearly a decade of policy discussions and pilot programs, marking another step in Japan’s gradual expansion of access to emergency contraception—while maintaining a pharmacy-controlled model.