The Tokyo-based Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd announced the new establishment of the Chugai Clinical Research Centre Co Ltd (CCRC), with operations scheduled to commence from October 1, 2004.

CCRC, which has been set up in order to realize more efficient and highly specialized clinical research functions, was established as the new global centre for clinical research carried out by members of the Chugai group.

According to the release, the main functions of CCRC will be statistical analysis and data management, clinical pharmacology, GCP management and domestic monitoring. However, through centering to CCRC all clinical-related work possible for outsourcing, we will also be able to create improved efficiency in work as well as lower operational costs.

Following its strategic alliance with F Hoffmann-La Roche, the company has been expanding its market presence in order to achieve the level of growth required of a top domestic pharmaceutical company that boasts a global business infrastructure. With the foundation of the CCRC, in addition to fortifying current global clinical development, Chugai hopes to establish even stronger business structures that will subsequently improve both the quality and speed of development, the release added.