Parexel, one of the world’s largest clinical research organizations (CROs) providing the full range of Phase I to IV clinical development services, and the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), the first and leading non-profit cancer research organization in Japan, today announced a strategic alliance to accelerate access to oncology clinical trials in Japan.

Under the agreement, JFCR will join Parexel’s Global Site Alliance network, making it a preferred site for oncology clinical trials and providing more opportunities for Japanese patients to participate in cancer research. Parexel will leverage JFCR's expertise to help sponsors develop protocols that better align with Japan's standard of care and regulatory approval processes — resulting in streamlined patient recruitment and study start-up.

“Consistent with global trends, the incidence of cancer is expected to increase in Japan,” said Shigehiro Miki, Parexel Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Japan. “We look forward to JFCR joining Parexel’s Site Alliance Network and working together to eliminate barriers and increase the access of potentially life-changing treatments to Japanese patients.”

“Parexel and JFCR enter into this strategic alliance driven by a shared sense of urgency to enable sponsors to conduct trials in Japan and ensure these patients have access to innovative clinical research,” said Takeshi Sano, MD, PhD, FRCS, Hospital Director, Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR. “To improve well-being of people worldwide by conquering cancer is the fundamental principle of JFCR. We look forward to collaborating closely with Parexel to realize our principle.”

Parexel’s Site Alliance Network is designed to provide a strategic, site solutions approach to address critical challenges in the clinical trial pathway, recruit patients more efficiently and expand clinical trial opportunities to investigators and patients globally. The network consists of more than 480+ sites representing approximately 21,000 investigators worldwide.