INC Research expands into Japan

Contract research organisation (CRO) INC Research has expanded its Asia Pacific operations with the opening of two new centres in Japan.

Located in Tokyo and Osaka, INC Research Japan KK will initially be run by a core of English-speaking management, regulatory and therapeutic staff, with the intention of aligning the company's 'Trusted Process' outsourcing methodologies with traditional Japanese clinical research practices.

The move means INC Research now has 20 offices across the Asia Pacific region, including in China, India, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“There is a growing enthusiasm from both pharma and government sectors for Japan to be involved in both global and regional clinical trials,” explained Garth Tierney, executive VP, Asia/Pacific.

“In response, INC Research is implementing a very considered approach to the market that will create greater confidence among our customers in conducting trials in Japan, as well as ultimately provide more direct influence on how trials are conducted.

“Our Japanese customers already have responded positively to our Trusted Process methodology as it fits well with their requirements for high quality and predictability. We are very enthusiastic about bringing the continued benefits of drug development in this country to our customers.”

Prior to establishing its own business operations in the country, INC Research has partnered with local Japanese CROs in order to conduct trials across a variety of therapeutic areas.