INC Research said it would be accelerating its efforts to serve Japan. The company named Tetsushi Inada, Ph.D., as senior liaison officer to Japan. Dr. Inada will offer insight and international expertise as INC Research enhances its presence for strategic and product development service offerings to the Japanese market.

“Dr. Inada is an influential opinion leader within the Japanese pharmaceutical, biotechnology and regulatory community. His industry and cultural knowledge will create immediate value for our customers,” said Kevin L. Keim, Ph.D., M.Sc., chief development officer of INC Research. “Having worked with Dr. Inada for more than a decade, I am confident his extensive professional network of pharmaceutical executives will be extremely beneficial to our customers in Japan, and to the success of INC Research’s support of the Japanese pharmaceutical development community.”

As part of this strategy, INC Research is actively increasing its presence and service offerings in Asian countries due to a significant need there for expert global development and registration.

Currently, Dr. Inada is president and managing director of Pharma-East Insights, Inc., a New Jersey and Tokyo-based strategic alliance consulting firm specializing in oncology and central nervous system (CNS) drugs for both the U.S. and Japan. Prior to Pharma-East Insights, Inc., Dr. Inada founded and was president of Kyowa Pharmaceutical, Inc., where he made significant advances in clinical research and development in the U.S., and internationally, during his 23-year career. Dr. Inada has also served as president of the prestigious New York Pharma Forum, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides a means for dialogue among U.S. and Japanese biopharmaceutical executives and business and financial professionals on global issues of common interest.

Dr. Inada’s expertise in immunology and oncology stems from his direction of a variety of clinical and research development projects. He has been involved in the successful development of drugs in the areas of oncology, CNS, cardiovascular, anti-allergic and urology.

Dr. Inada is a member of the Board of Directors of Japan Pharma Licensing Association of Tokyo, and co-chair of LES International’s Life Sciences Committee. He received his doctorate degree in immunology from Osaka University Medical School, and his bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical science from Okayama University Medical School (Japan).

Earlier this month, INC had hired another executive to help with its efforts in Japan. The company appointed Kevin L. Keim, Ph.D., M.Sc., to the key position of chief development officer.  Keim was plucked to oversee a number of the company’s major initiatives, including global business development, marketing and communications, regulatory services (including safety and pharmacovigilance), early clinical-phase product development services and the pediatrics division, building on INC Research’s specialized expertise in these areas.  Dr. Keim will also take the helm of INC’s innovative new outreach program to the Japanese pharma and biotech business community.

“Dr. Keim will play a pivotal role in expanding INC Research’s Trusted Process methodologies,” said James T. Ogle, Chief Executive Officer of INC Research.  “His leadership abilities and clinical and operative expertise span the full spectrum of drug development activities, from strategic program development and risk-sharing strategies to late-phase and pediatric trials.  Dr. Keim’s energy and expertise add tremendous value for our customers.”