The development of the pharmaceutical industry in Asia has been influenced by government policies and the growth in the laws and regulatory bodies that oversee various aspects of drug manufacture and sale. Most Asian governments heavily regulate the pharmaceutical industry, typically through the national food and drug administration and the health ministry. While most countries in Asia today have a body of laws that govern virtually all aspects of production and sale of pharmaceutical products, the implementation of these laws has been rather uneven. Government policy with respect to intellectual property plays a crucial role in shaping the pharmaceutical industry and its regulation. Key issues which permeate through most Asian nations are the quality of pharmaceutical products and the clash between original drugs and generics. Thailand, China, and Vietnam have been at the center of attention in recent years as they navigate the various challenges in this area.