Singapore: INC Research, a therapeutically focused global clinical research organization (CRO) with a Trusted Process(R) for delivering reliable results, announced the establishment of INC Research Japan KK with the opening of new locations in Osaka and the Shinagawa ward in Tokyo.

The new operations provide INC Research's global drug development customers access to an increasingly significant market and further expand the company's presence in the Asia Pacific region. INC Research now has 20 offices in key locations across the Asia Pacific region in addition to Japan, including a presence in China, India, Australia, Singapore, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and New Zealand.

"There is a growing enthusiasm from both pharma and government sectors for Japan to be involved in both global and regional clinical trials," said Mr Garth Tierney , executive vice president, 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."

Through INC Research's unique approach to the Japan market, the two offices initially will feature a core group of highly qualified, English-speaking management, regulatory and therapeutic staff who will create a bridge between the company's Trusted Process methodology and the way clinical research has traditionally been conducted in Japan. The establishment of Japanese business operations builds on INC Research's long-term experience in Japan where it has partnered with local CROs to conduct numerous trials across a variety of therapeutic areas. Both locations are strategically placed to serve major drug development areas and are connected by the region's bullet train.

INC Research has provided Phase I to IV clinical development services in the Asia Pacific region for nearly 20 years, conducting more than a 1,000 studies across a broad range of therapeutic areas.