Ecron Acunova (EA), a leading CRO with presence in Europe and Asia announced a joint venture with Jamjuree Innovations Co. Ltd., (JJI) Thailand. JJI is a 100% subsidiary of Chulalongkorn University Intellectual Property Foundation and enjoys strong ties with the University’s Faculty of Medicine, including Clinical Research Center (Chula CRC). The joint venture CRO is based in Bangkok and will conduct clinical research in key South East Asian countries under the name Ecron Acunova Company Ltd (EACL). Dr. Eugene Kroon MD is appointed CEO of EACL.
EA brings over two decades of clinical research experience in Ph I-IV trials, PK/PD services, clinical trial laboratory and clinical data management on a global scale. EA has centres of excellence in oncology at Berlin, in diagnostic imaging agents in Frankfurt and in stem cell therapy and diabetes at Bangalore. Chula CRC brings experience in PK/PD, clinical trial laboratory, data management and HIV research in Thailand and SEA region. EACL combines the local knowledge with global experience and aspires to become a leading CRO of SEA.
Speaking on the joint venture, Dr. Kiat Ruxrungtham, Professor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and Chairman of EACL said “Expanding on clinical research knowhow and regional investigator networks already present in Chulalongkorn University, JJI has built expertise in regional quality clinical research over the last three years, successfully conducting clinical trials for international sponsors in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. We look forward to further expanding this model of hands-on local study and investigator relationship management in Southeast Asia for our clients through the joint venture with EA”
Mr. D A Prasanna, Founder and Chairman of EA added “We have established our expertise across Europe, India and USA as a top quality CRO. Southeast Asia is a key market. As sponsors increasingly include Southeast Asia in drug development programmes it is imperative for us to establish our operations in collaboration with regional experts like Chulalongkorn University. With this joint venture with JJI, our execution synergy is enhanced when operating together, rivaling the capability of any competing leading CRO in South and South East Asia.”
Dr. Eugene Kroon, Chief Executive of EACL, said “Ecron Acunova’s Center of Excellence to conduct nutritional studies and studies in HIV will be setup at Bangkok. EACL currently offers services in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia and intends to expand its operation to other key countries in SEA”.
