EPNextS Group, a Japan-based provider of clinical trial solutions, announced on Tuesday that it has collaborated with Frontage Laboratories Inc, a US based full-service contract research organisation (CRO).

The collaboration is aimed at addressing the challenges of 'Drug Lag' and 'Drug Loss' in Japan. The companies say that Japan's pharmaceutical market faces significant hurdles related to the lag in the introduction of new drugs compared to other developed countries, often resulting in delays in patient access to life-saving medications. Additionally, stringent regulatory requirements and complex clinical trial procedures contribute to drug loss, where promising therapies fail to reach the market due to inefficiencies in the development process.

Both parties intend to leverage EPNextS' 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.

Tatsuma Nagaoka, of EPNextS representative director and president, said: "We are excited to join forces with Frontage to address the critical issues of drug lag and drug loss in Japan. 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."