inVentiv Health, a global provider of clinical, commercial and consulting services, has formed a strategic alliance with Bell Medical Solutions, a Japanese CRO with more than 700 clinical research associates serving the growing Japanese market.

"This alliance provides Bell Medical Solutions with inVentiv's significant international reach and the ability to participate in larger, global studies," said Paul Meister, CEO of inVentiv Health. "For inVentiv, the alliance bolsters our already significant position in Japan to better support our clients who are capitalizing on exciting opportunities for growth."

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America recently told The Economist magazine that Japan may be one of the world's best markets right now for foreign drug companies. Sales growth in 2011 for the top eight multinational drug firms in Japan ranged from 12% to 31%. Meanwhile, the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Agency (PMDA), which oversees the approval process for Japan's Health Ministry, has slashed review times over the last five years and increased the number of new drug approvals to serve the needs of a burgeoning population of elderly.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Bell has conducted hundreds of studies in various therapeutic areas since the company began offering CRO services in 1986. It is the only full-service CRO in Japan and is known for upholding the highest quality and regulatory standards.

"Bell is not just a respected CRO, it is also embedded in the Japanese healthcare and drug approval system," said Ray Hill, president of inVentiv Health Clinical. "It is a crucial time for our clients operating in Japan and we can now provide all the support they need to succeed."

Bell offers CRO services that cover phases I-IV, post-approval studies and patient access. Together, inVentiv and Bell will offer comprehensive global drug development services to Japanese and international clients conducting studies in Japan.