Clinigen expands operations into Japan

Clinigen Group, an AIM listed global pharmaceuticals and services company, has extended its geographical reach to Japan with the opening of a new office in Tokyo.

Clinigen KK further expands the group’s presence in Asia following the company’s acquisition of Link healthcare in 2015.

Its presence in the region will also allow the firm to take over the marketing authorisation for its lead specialty pharmaceutical (SP) product Foscavir from Nobel Pharma, who has distributed the product in Japan for the company since 2011.

Foscavir treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or Cytomegalovirus viremia and cytomegalovirus disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients.

With more than 2,000 patients are treated annually with the drug, Japan is an important market for the firm. The region is also the second largest pharmaceutical market in the world.

Chief executive Shaun Chilton said: "At a time when many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are looking for specialist partners to work with them in Asia, the opening of our Japanese office gives us more opportunities to provide customers with our global expertise combined with local knowledge."

The share price went up by 0.2% to 751.50p at 0905 BST on Tuesday.