Raleigh, N.C.-based INC Research, a therapeutically focused global CRO, has established INC Research Japan KK, with the opening of 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 its 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 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 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.”

The two offices initially will feature a core group of 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 trials across a variety of therapeutic areas.

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