MORRISVILLE, N.C.
Worldwide Clinical Trials, Inc., (Worldwide) an award-winning, full-service, midsize, global contract research organization (CRO), announced today that Hiromi Wakita, Ph.D., has joined the organization as vice president of clinical operations. Dr. Wakita, who will lead the company’s operations in Japan, joins Worldwide after spending nearly four decades helping some of the world’s most well-known life sciences brands expand their businesses in the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr. Wakita’s appointment aligns with Worldwide’s continued global expansion to support its clients’ evolving clinical trial demands. Pharmaceutical sponsors face hindrances to conducting clinical trials in the United States and Europe, such as a lack of patient pools, growing costs, and lengthy regulation timelines. Asian governments are priming the market for clinical trials by providing clearer regulatory frameworks, affording new access to patient populations, and strengthening intellectual property protection. Japan offers very high-quality standards and good clinical trial infrastructure, medical workforce, and healthcare capabilities. Japan is expected to have quicker clinical trial enrollment and higher retention rates than other locations.
Dr. Wakita, who will oversee Worldwide’s Japan-based clinical trial planning and operations, will use his experience to help Worldwide’s clients continue to accelerate and improve their research and development activities in the region.
“Amid easing government regulations and increasing demand for better therapies, the pace of innovation in Asia, particularly in Japan, has been astounding,” said Peter Benton, president and chief operating officer, Worldwide Clinical Trials. “Dr. Wakita’s trusted local reputation and strong credentials will offer our clients the local insight and resources they need to more efficiently and cost-effectively discover their next big breakthrough. As we grow, we’re honored to welcome him to the Worldwide family.”
Dr. Wakita began his career in regulatory affairs and since then has led local and international growth initiatives for some of the world’s most recognized CROs. Prior to joining Worldwide, Dr. Wakita led Japan-based clinical trial operations for CROs running phase I-IV trials across a variety of therapeutic areas. He has an established reputation in expanding sites across the region, building effective teams that drive outcomes-based customer service, and delivering cost-efficient and timely results. Most recently, Dr. Wakita served as the Japan general manager for Clinipace and held several Japan-based leadership roles for Mebix, Inc., INC Research, Quintiles Transnational Japan K.K, and ICON.
Dr. Wakita received his doctorate in medical science from Toho University in Tokyo, Japan. After earning his Bachelor of Pharmacology at University of Shizuoka, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shizuoka, Japan, he served as a research fellow at Hokuriku University and Kanazawa University. He will be based in Tokyo.
For more information on Dr. Wakita and Worldwide Clinical Trials’ expanding global footprint, visit www.worldwide.com.
About Worldwide Clinical Trials
Worldwide Clinical Trials employs more than 1,600 professionals around the world, with offices in North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, and Asia. Founded by physicians committed to advancing medical science, Worldwide is out to change how the world experiences CROs – in the best possible way. From early phase and bioanalytical sciences through late phase, post-approval and real-world evidence, we provide world-class, full-service drug development services.
With infrastructure and talent spanning 60 countries, we execute predictable, successful studies with operational excellence across a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system, cardiovascular, metabolic, immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMID), oncology and rare diseases. We never compromise on science or safety. We’re never satisfied with the status quo. We’re the Cure for the Common CRO.
For more information, visit http://www.worldwide.com.
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CONTACT
Media:
Worldwide Clinical Trials
Sherri Stuart
Sherri.Stuart@worldwide.com
