Eisai opens clinical trial center in Singapore

Eisai has become the first Japanese drugmaker to open a new clinical research center in Singapore. The firm says that the new unit will help it respond to the recent clinical research growth of Asia, Oceania and the Middle East. With the move, the firm says it is seeking "productivity and efficiency in clinical development in the region."

The Asia-Pacific region now accounts for almost 56% of the global population, 25% of the world's Gross National Product and 22% of international trade. Current trends indicate that the next center of gravity for the global drug market will be in Asia, with China, India and Singapore being the key countries, the firm noted. Raymond Chua, managing director of Eisai Clinical Research Singapore, said: "the Asia-Pacific and Middle East countries will play an increasing role in clinical research activities over the next 10 years, with the fast-maturing regulatory environment, increasingly experienced investigators, higher data quality yield and growing patient base in these regions."