InVentiv Pushes into Highly Sought-After Japanese Market with Collaboration

“​Bell, a preferred service provider to some of Japan’s top pharmaceutical companies, offers CRO services that cover Phases I-IV, post-approval studies and patient access​,” Andy Malavsky, executive director of marketing for inVentiv, told Outsourcing-Pharma.com. 

Known as the only full-service CRO in Japan, Tokyo-based Bell has conducted hundreds of studies in various therapeutic areas since the company began offering CRO services in 1986. 

“As a highly respected, full service CRO, Bell is also embedded in the Japanese healthcare and drug approval system and will help inVentiv provide a deeper level of regional support to our clients as needed​,” Malavsky said. 

The Japanese clinical trial market has garnered a lot of attention recently with numerous CROs looking to make headway there and elsewhere in Asia. Covance rejuvenated its presence​ in Asia with an investment in Singapore, while RPS formed a joint venture with Asklep​ earlier this month to obtain more local expertise. 

“Japan has been experiencing what PhRMA has referred to as ‘emerging market’ growth rates, with sales growth in 2011 for the top eight multinational drug firms in Japan ranging from 12% to 31%​,” Malavsky said. 

“Additionally, the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Agency (PMDA), which oversees the approval process for Japan’s Health Ministry, has reduced 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​,” he added. 

inVentiv Health CEO Paul Meister noted that the alliance provides Bell with “the ability to participate in larger, global studies​.” And 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 deal with Bell is also InVentiv’s latest move in a string of recent transactions. Earlier this month InVentiv sold its sample management business to Knipper​, while in March the company invested in US-based Mytrus​. 

But the company’s expansions have haunted its past. In April of last year, Moody’s downgraded the company’s rating​ and predicted underperform as it tries to fully integrate i3​ and Pharmanet​.