Global contract research organisation (CRO) Chiltern has acquired Integrated Development Associates (IDA), a clinical research organisation (CRO) that focuses on integrating Japan and Asia into a global drug development.

Based in Japan, Korea and South East Asia, IDA sets up regulatory and development pathways for Japan, in addition to implementing Pan Asian clinical trials with an aim to attain regulatory objectives both in Japan and worldwide.

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With experience in wide range therapeutic areas and its local knowledge and relationships, the company will enable Chiltern to provide optimal approaches for integrating Japan and Asia into global drug development.

The acquisition will also enable several Japanese companies to enter a wider market.

"The acquisition of IDA is driven by our commitment to establish a substantial presence in all major global markets and support our clients with clinical development capabilities worldwide."

Chiltern chief executive officer Dr Jim Esinhart said: “The acquisition of IDA is driven by our commitment to establish a substantial presence in all major global markets and support our clients with clinical development capabilities worldwide.

“Japan and South East Asia are among the world’s largest and fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets. IDA will enable us to grow in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region through well-established relationships and local expertise and knowledge.”

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Following the acquisition, IDA will continue to do business as a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiltern and will be renamed IDA, a Chiltern Company.

Under the agreement, IDA founder and chief executive officer John Winebarger will continue to lead the company.

Situated across 47 countries, Chiltern provides clinical services and solutions in several therapeutic areas with engagement models for biopharmaceutical and medical device industries.

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