Contract research organization ReSearch Pharmaceutical Services (RPS) and Japanese CRO Asklep are creating a joint venture company (JVC) that will aim to deliver leading-edge R&D outsourcing solutions in Japan to the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries.

The RPS-Asklep collaboration will leverage RPS’ structures and global footprint to deliver customized solutions across large, mid-size and small and virtual organizations. According to the firms, options ranging from embedded, hybrid, and full-service solutions will be available to clients using best-in-class standard operating procedures, processes, and systems. Alan Morgan, RPS’ COO, will assume the role of CEO of the JVC, in addition to his current responsibilities.

“By combining RPS’ innovative approaches to meeting the industry’s needs with Asklep’s excellent reputation, significant size, and local infrastructure, RPS will be positioned to meet current and future needs across the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries,” Daniel Perlman, CEO and founder of RPS, said. “Japan is an important market for clinical development, and this JVC brings ownership and accountability with mutual success and long-term stability to the benefit of customers.”

Hiroshi Ichikawa, president and CEO of Asklep, added, “We believe the JVC will address an unmet need in Japan.”

Asklep, which was founded in Tokyo in 1992, has been expanding over the past year, establishing local subsidiaries in Korea and Taiwan, and merging with clinical trial management company PPCJ last April. Of the merger, they said in a press release, “The environment surrounding this business has become harsh, so we have determined that it is important to further streamline and increase pace of operations for the enhancement of the marketing expertise and promotion of efficiency of management by integrating management resources of Asklep and PPCJ through this merger.”

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