Japan is planning to do away with a requirement that drugs developed overseas be tested on Japanese individuals before they can be made available in the domestic market ¡ª a move that would give patients access in a shorter period of time.

A health ministry official said Tuesday that a notice detailing the policy would be issued, paving the way for the system to be abolished within the next few months and expediting the distribution of new drugs.

¡°We¡¯re hoping this will make it easier for medicines to enter the market,¡± the official said.