EPNextS expands horizons to create new value

By Daniel de Bomford and Paul Mannion

As the world’s first super-aged population, Japan faces challenges that require solutions with no clear roadmap. As the labor pool shrinks and the medical burden increases, Japanese organizations are finding new ways to deliver services and maintain the quality of life for everyone, not just those in their twilight years. As developed countries around the world begin to face similar challenges, EPNextS Group is developing a solution blueprint that leverages sophisticated business acumen, innovative labor solutions and international cooperation.

A national healthcare challenge

Japan has one of the most comprehensive universal healthcare systems in the world. Every citizen has access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, supported by mandatory public insurance. The country has one of the highest healthcare utilization rates in the world, and the system emphasizes preventative care and frequent patient visits. As the workforce ages and the labor pool shrinks, it presents challenges in maintaining the quality of care. Furthermore, it hampers medical innovation, with fewer staff to conduct research and fewer suitable patients for clinical trials. However, EPNextS Group Representative Director Tatsuma Nagaoka says the company has found opportunities within the challenges. “For U.S. biotech companies, having clinical trial data involving Japanese patients significantly increases the perceived value of their product—particularly from the perspective of potential Japanese partners or investors,” he explains.

A transformative approach

In the wake of this global interest, EPNextS partners with foreign firms, such as the United States-based Frontage Laboratories, to strengthen clinical trial management and streamline drug development through collaboration. Collaborations in early-phase clinical trials involving Japanese participants can provide suitable clinical trials for American biotech firms to expand their next phase of study. The company is actively pursuing collaborations like the one it has with Frontage. “We already have collaborations in place with other CROs that specialize in specific therapeutic areas,” Nagaoka says.

Opening Japan to foreign innovators

This international collaboration also extends to Japan. Foreign biotech companies face significant regulatory, procedural and academic challenges when entering the country. To support foreign organizations, EPNextS parent company, EPS Holdings launched its Innovative Research Organization (IRO) business, which offers comprehensive support, including development planning, licensing strategies and market entry consulting. “Our services align well with their needs, especially in areas such as Japanese pharmaceutical affairs, regulatory compliance, and legal procedures,” Nagaoka states. The company tailors its approach to clients operating under different business models, depending on the market the partner company is entering. “Our IRO business provides comprehensive support to clients aiming to succeed in Japan, covering everything from fundraising and research infrastructure to business planning and exit strategies,” he says. The company is actively promoting itself to United States-based firms with its participation in scientific conferences and exhibitions. Furthermore, as it collaborates across Japan and Asia, it is strengthening its relationships with biotech firms and expanding its market presence in the United States.

To address labor shortages in the domestic market and improve access to medicine, the company’s DI Basic Academy is upskilling individuals to provide qualifications in drug information services. Nagaoka describes the labor market as “tight,” and hiring highly qualified professionals, such as pharmacists, can be a significant challenge. In response, the company is training and nurturing individuals without medical qualifications and bringing them to a level where they can effectively handle inquiries with the appropriate support in place. “What we aim to do is separate the core tasks, allowing us to focus the expertise of licensed professionals where it’s most needed, while training non-qualified staff to a level where they can competently support the operation,” he explains.

As Japan adapts to the demographic challenges, leadership from companies like EPNextS is vital to ensure the sustainability of its advanced medical sector. The company continues to strengthen its relationship with other global leaders and will help shape a well-worn path for the future as other nations grapple with similar problems.

To hear more from President Tatsuma Nagaoka of EPNextS, check out this interview with him.