CRO Quotient Clinical, working to expand around the world after changing private equity hands, completed its first clinical trial in Japan, working to build a presence in a growing market.
With the help of local recruitment partner UK Chiken Services, Quotient pulled off a four-part study enrolling healthy volunteers on behalf of an undisclosed sponsor. The trial assessed the safety and tolerability of a novel drug for an orphan disease, the CRO said.
The Phase I study marks Quotient's first foray into Japan, following its December sale from Bridgepoint Development Capital to GHO Capital, a firm co-founded by former Quintiles ($Q) CEO Dennis Gillings in 2014 to buy up assets in healthcare.
GHO's partners talked up Quotient's growth potential after the acquisition, and they have since bought formulation development specialist Co-Formulate and merged it with the CRO in an effort to expand its clinical capabilities. Quotient's Nottingham, U.K., hub passed an FDA inspection earlier this year, and the company believes it's on pace to expand its roster of clients in the U.S.
Quotient operated independently for nearly 20 years before Bridgepoint acquired it in 2013. The CRO has since grown to employ more than 280 people and expanded its services to include formulation development, manufacturing and clinical trials.
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