Yasumasa Kurioka has been appointed general manager of PPD-SNBL, the joint venture between PPD and Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories Ltd. to expand clinical development services in Japan.
 
Mr. Kurioka most recently served as the senior director, country head of clinical operations in Japan, for another global CRO. Prior to that, he held a variety of clinical research, project management and operations leadership roles with Eli Lilly and Co. and the former Ciba-Geigy in Japan.   
 
“Yasu brings extensive clinical operations leadership experience, as well as significant scientific expertise to his position,” said Paul Colvin, executive vice president of clinical development at PPD and chairman and chief executive officer of PPD-SNBL. “I am confident he will implement innovative operational strategies that will enable PPD-SNBL to use its extensive resources, long-term experience and local expertise to further meet its clients’ needs in this important global market.”
 
Ryoichi Nagata, M.D., Ph.D., chairman and president of SNBL and president of PPD-SNBL, said Kurioka’s appointment will help the company generate additional opportunities in Japan. “As one of the largest clinical development service providers in Japan, PPD-SNBL already is uniquely positioned to help its clients seize opportunities in this thriving market. Yasu’s wealth of local knowledge and expertise from his years of experience in this market will enhance our already strong operational position.”
 
The joint venture combines SNBL’s clinical research division and PPD’s clinical development operations in Japan and provides services, including Phase I-IV clinical trial monitoring, project management, biostatistics, site intelligence and activation, data management, medical writing, pharmacovigilance, regulatory and FSP services.