EPNextS Group, a Japanese-based provider of clinical trial solutions, and Frontage Laboratories Inc., a US-based full-service contract research organization (CRO), have announced a collaboration aimed at addressing the challenges of “Drug Lag” and “Drug Loss” in Japan.
 
EPNextS Group and Frontage intend to leverage EPNextS Group’s expertise in clinical trial solutions and Frontage’s extensive experience in early-phase drug development and clinical research services, to overcome these challenges and drive positive change in the pharmaceutical landscape.
 
“We are excited to join forces with Frontage to address the critical issues of drug lag and drug loss in Japan,” said Tatsuma Nagaoka, Representative Director and President of EPNextS. “Our collaboration with Frontage underscores our commitment to advancing clinical research and improving patient access to innovative therapies. By combining our strengths, we aim to streamline the drug development process and bring novel treatments to market more efficiently.”
 
EPS, a wholly owned subsidiary of EPNextS, and Frontage intend to conduct collaborative business development activities in Japan and the United States to expand market reach and conduct early phase clinical trials in Japanese and non-Japanese populations in the United States. EPS expects to provide Project Management services in this arrangement for Japanese Clients. In the future, another wholly owned subsidiary of EPNextS, EP-SOGO Co., Ltd., may explore opportunities to develop overseas training programs with Frontage.
 
Frontage brings a wealth of experience in early-phase clinical research, including bioanalytical services, clinical pharmacology, and clinical operations. Frontage services are expected to include clinical trial execution, data management, biostatistical programming, pharmacokinetic analyses, and medical writing.
 
“We are pleased announce this collaboration with EPNextS Group to address the pressing challenges facing the Japanese pharmaceutical industry,” said Abdul Mutlib, CEO of Frontage. “Together, we will leverage our collective expertise to accelerate the development and commercialization of new therapies, ultimately benefiting patients in Japan and beyond.”
 
The collaboration between EPNextS Group and Frontage represents a significant step forward in addressing the complexities of drug development and regulatory processes in Japan, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and drive innovation in healthcare.