Area Development
Chugai Pharma USA Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan-based Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., opened its new office dedicated to translational clinical research in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.

The facility serves as the hub for Chugai, the research-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo. Chugai initiated activities in the U.S. in 1982. CPUSA is now focused on Early Development and recently established Chugai's Translational Clinical Research Division.

TCRD is Chugai's first global organization composed of functions in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. According to company officials, TCRD is dedicated to the late preclinical and early clinical development of Chugai-originated pipeline products. It aims to accelerate the proof-of-concept process by bringing translational research-powered medicines to global development stage, and ultimately to market, as efficiently as possible.

"CPUSA is further evidence of Chugai's commitment to and belief in the potential of translational research to use best-in-class drug discovery techniques in the development of transformative, patient-focused therapies that fulfill unmet needs and improve patients' lives across the world," Osamu Nagayama, Chairman/CEO of Chugai.

Athos Gianella-Borradori, MD, Chief Medical Officer of CPUSA said, "The establishment of CPUSA will enable the company to strongly enhance relationships with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, academia, clinical investigators and patient communities. Our mission is to facilitate Chugai's expanding clinical activity in the U.S. by increasing awareness of Chugai's successful track record in discovering and commercializing innovative pharmaceuticals that bring real value to patients and society."

"New Jersey's standing as a key market for pharmaceutical innovation will aid in the growth of our U.S. talent and operations, which will in turn support and further strengthen our pipeline of novel therapies designed to fulfill unmet needs and improve patients' lives across the world," said Norihisa Onozawa, President/CEO of CPUSA. "Our team is proud to contribute to Chugai's global work by inspiring and guiding its therapeutic development efforts to achieve new heights."