March 21, 2024
EPNextS, Inc.
EPS Corporation
EP-SOGO Co., Ltd.

EPNextS Group will collaborate with Frontage Laboratories, Inc. for
Early Phase Clinical Trial and Clinical Site Management in the UnitedStates to Improve “Drug Lag” and “Drug Loss” Issues in Japan.

EPNextS Group, a Japanese based leading provider of clinical trial solutions, andFrontage Laboratories, Inc., a US based full-service contract research organization(CRO), have announced their collaboration aimed at addressing the challenges of"Drug Lag" and "Drug Loss" in Japan. This collaboration will focus on optimizing
early-phase clinical trial management and clinical site operations in the UnitedStates, with the goal of streamlining drug development processes and accelerating
access to innovative treatments in Japan.
Japan's pharmaceutical market faces significant hurdles related to the lag in the
introduction of new drugs compared to other developed countries, often resulting
in delays in patient access to life-saving medications. Additionally, stringent
regulatory requirements and complex clinical trial procedures contribute to drug
loss, where promising therapies fail to reach the market due to inefficiencies in thedevelopment process.
By leveraging EPNextS Group's expertise in clinical trial solutions and Frontage'sextensive experience in early-phase drug development and clinical research services,
the collaboration aims to overcome these challenges and drive positive change inthe pharmaceutical landscape.
"We are excited to join forces with Frontage to address the critical issues of druglag and drug loss in Japan," said Tatsuma Nagaoka, Representative Director andPresident of EPNextS. "This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing
clinical research and improving patient access to innovative therapies. By combining
our strengths, we aim to streamline the drug development process and bring novel
treatments to market more efficiently."
EPS Corporation, led by Takehisa Yamada, Representative Director and President,
is a wholly owned subsidiary of EPNextS. EPS and Frontage will conductcollaborative business development activities in Japan and the United States toexpand market reach and conduct early phase clinical trials in Japanese and nonJapanese populations in the United States. EPS provides Project Management
services in this collaboration for Japanese Clients. Another wholly owned subsidiary1

of EPNextS, EP-SOGO Co., Ltd., led by Representative Director and President,
Kenichi Yamamoto, will cooperate with Frontage to develop overseas training
programs. In the future, EP-SOGO and Frontage will provide Site Management
services in the United States by using Japanese Clinical Research Coordinators(CRC), who have the hospitality acumen and expertise that is standard in Japan,
through mutually developed training programs.
Frontage brings a wealth of experience in early-phase clinical research, including
bioanalytical services, clinical pharmacology, and clinical operations. Through thiscollaboration, Frontage will work closely with EPNextS Group and its subsidiaries tooptimize clinical trial processes, enhance site management capabilities, and ensure
timely and efficient clinical trial execution in the United States. Frontage services
will include data management, biostatistical programming, pharmacokineticanalyses, and medical writing.
"We are pleased to build this collaboration with EPNextS Group to address thepressing challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry," said Abdul Mutlib, CEO ofFrontage. "Together, we will leverage our collective expertise to accelerate thedevelopment and commercialization of new therapies, ultimately benefiting patientsin Japan and beyond."
The collaboration between EPNextS Group and Frontage represents a significant
step forward in addressing the complexities of drug development and regulatory
processes, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and drive innovation inhealthcare.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
EPNextS, Inc.
Corporate Planning Center 1st Office
Email: epn-cco@eps.co.jp
Website:EPNextS
EPS
EP-SOGO
LinkedIn: CRO

https://www.epnexts.co.jp/event/en.php
https://www.epsi-global.com/index.html
https://www.eps.co.jp/en/
https://www.epsogo.co.jp/en/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eps.corp/

Frontage Laboratories, Inc.
Stephen Novak, Director, Clinical Business Development+1 720.498.3808
Email: snovak@frontagelab.com
Website:Frontagehttps://www.frontagelab.com/
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[About EPNextS Group] EPNextS Group is a leading provider of comprehensive
clinical trial solutions, offering a range of services to support pharmaceutical andbiotechnology companies in accelerating drug development. With a focus on
innovation and efficiency, EPNextS Group is committed to advancing clinicalresearch and improving patient access to life-saving therapies.
[About EPS Corporation] EPS launched its business in 1991 as a Top Tier CRO tocomprehensively support clinical studies with a focus on clinical trials and post
marketing surveillance. The company proposes new models to satisfy customers’
needs by leveraging its data science expertise and digital technology, cultivatedthrough its extensive track record. These service offerings are anchored in its Trial
GATE concept, which acts as the gateway for all clinical trial functions.
[About EP-SOGO Co., Ltd.] EP-SOGO started its SMO business in 1999, andcurrently has contracts with approximately 7,000 Investigators’ sites (medicalinstitutions) and handles clinical trial operations at these sites so clinical trials canbe conducted in accordance with ICH-GCP and relevant regulations. Celebrating its
25th anniversary this year as a milestone for a new beginning, the company willchange its name to "EPLink Co., Ltd." on April 1, 2024. With a renewed commitment,
EPLink aims to continuously create new values that contribute to the furtherimprovement of the clinical trial environment and propose the best solutions.
[About Frontage] Frontage is a full-service contract research organization (CRO)
dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical research and development. With a focus onearly-phase clinical research, bioanalytical services, and clinical pharmacology,
Frontage provides integrated solutions to support drug discovery and development
programs worldwide.

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