NCC will Initiate New Research to Develop a Nationwide Clinical Trial Network, LC-SCRUM-CD (Clinical Development), Supported by PREMIA and Paradigm, to Further Accelerate Precision Medicine for Cancer Patients

 

Parties Introduce Clinical Trials Operations to the LC-SCRUM-Asia Network, Comprising 150 Hospitals in Japan, Starting at NCC Hospital East

National Cancer Center Japan

November 5, 2024
National Cancer Center Japan
Precision Medicine Asia Co., Ltd.
Paradigm Health Inc.

Key Points

  • LC-SCRUM-CD (Clinical Development) is an expansion of the LC-SCRUM-Asia network, leveraging its extensive cancer genomic screening capabilities to drive clinical trials focused on precision medicine.

  • Collaboration will make it more efficient for pharmaceutical companies to conduct trials in Japan, through greater end-to-end solution.

  • Paradigm’s success with rural and community-based health systems in the US will inform the design and operations of this network, expanding trial access and enrollment while significantly reducing the time and burden on clinical staff.

  • This effort will reach more patients across the LC-SCRUM-Asia Network, expanding trial options and participation.

Overview

The National Cancer Center (“NCC”), Precision Medicine Asia Co., Ltd. (“PREMIA”) and Paradigm Health Inc (“Paradigm”), announced the initiation of LC-SCRUM-CD (Lung Cancer Genome Screening Project for Individualized Medicine-Clinical Development), a nationwide Clinical Trial Network. This network will leverage the cancer genomic screening network, comprising 150+ LC-SCRUM-Asia hospitals, to promote precision medicine for cancer patients.

Together, these organizations will work to bring more global pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical trials to Japan and to accelerate clinical trial patient enrollment by simplifying the systems and workflows in current clinical trials. This effort will reduce the cost and time required of physicians and hospitals staff to conduct clinical trials, while expanding patients’ access to clinical trials, an option for cancer care.

Overview of the Project

National Cancer Center Hospital East (“NCCHE”), a leader in clinical trials in Japan, currently runs more than 500 studies per year. NCCHE also formed and leads LC-SCRUM-Asia, a network of approx. 150 cancer hospitals in Japan that conducts genomic screenings nationwide, and PREMIA manages its data platform. Specifically, it will be possible to provide clinical trial information by efficiently selecting patients for clinical trials with the collation of the latest clinical trial information through integrating huge amounts of genetic analysis results and clinical data. In this new collaboration, PREMIA and Paradigm will build upon NCCHE’s clinical trial capabilities, by bringing an unprecedented number of global biopharma trials to Japan. Paradigm’s end-to-end platform is a new approach to clinical trials, reducing the burden of time and resources to providers and hospitals, making it possible to seamlessly integrate clinical trials into routine operations.

Outlook

The new combined effort to bring more clinical trials to Japan is a milestone in advancing oncology research and treatment. By combining expertise, resources, and cutting-edge technology, NCC, PREMIA, and Paradigm will build a new approach for clinical trials and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

“NCCHE is a world-renowned hospital and research institution, where patients from across Japan come to receive care,” Dr Goto, a deputy director and the chief of department of thoracic oncology at NCCHE and the representative of LC-SCRUM-Asia, said. “Working with our partners at PREMIA and Paradigm, we will fully utilize this expertise in clinical trial operations, allowing all patients who are taking part in LC-SCRUM-Asia to benefit from personalized access to the breadth of clinical trials being run by global biopharmaceutical sponsors at the same time as the US.”

“This collaboration has the potential to dramatically increase access to oncology clinical trials in Japan in the short term and to accelerate the development of novel drugs and therapeutics over the longer term,” said Kent Thoelke, CEO, Paradigm.

About National Cancer Center

National Cancer Center upholds the vision ‘working with society, providing best suited cancer medicine to all citizens,’ thus leading the nation in cancer medicine, research and education. It is where the largest number of industry sponsored, investigator sponsored trials in Japan are ongoing, leading the cancer research community.
More information https://www.ncc.go.jp/en/index.html

About National Cancer Center Hospital East (NCCHE)

The National Cancer Center Hospital East (NCCHE) was established in 1992. It is a leading specialized cancer hospital in Japan, treating over 11,000 new patients each year. NCCHE is designated by the national government as core hospitals for clinical research and for cancer genomic medicine. https://www.ncc.go.jp/en/ncce/index.html

About LC-SCRUM-Asia

NCCHE launched Japan's first Cancer Genome Screening Project for Individualized Medicine in advanced lung Cancer, "LC-SCRUM-Asia”. During the 11 years from its establishment in February 2013, approximately 20,000 patients with lung cancer have participated in the study. As a result, it has grown into the world’s largest lung cancer genomic screening platform. In addition, the genetic analysis results from patients with lung cancer and their data including treatments have been shared among medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies nationwide under a secure environment protecting patient privacy. This project has supported regulatory approval of 11 new drugs and 3 in-vitro diagnostics, contributing to the early delivery of effective therapeutic drugs and diagnostics to patients nationwide. Furthermore, this screening platform is now expanding to other Asian countries, such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Viet Nam, contributing to the development of cancer precision medicine in these countries. https://www.ncc.go.jp/jp/ncce/index.html (Japanese only)

About Precision Medicine Asia (PREMIA)

PREMIA offers an integrated platform for the development of innovative oncology therapies and diagnostics in Asia, the fastest growing market for the pharmaceutical industry. PREMIA also manages Japan’s nationwide clinical-genomic lung cancer registry, LC-SCRUM-Asia, the only such database in Asia. The registry currently includes more than 20,000 patients and allows an efficient patient identification process for clinical trial enrollment through participation by more than 200 hospitals in Japan, with the addition of hospitals in Southeast Asia through LC-SCRUM-AP. About Us | Precision Medicine Asia (premia-inc.com)

About Paradigm

Paradigm Health Inc. (“Paradigm”) is rebuilding the clinical research ecosystem by creating a platform that enables equitable access to trials for all patients, while enhancing trial efficiency and reducing the barriers to participation for healthcare providers. Incubated by ARCH Venture Partners and backed by leading healthcare and life sciences investors, Paradigm aims to break down barriers across the trial ecosystem through one seamless infrastructure implemented at healthcare provider organizations, bringing potentially life-saving therapies to patients faster. For more information, please visit www.paradigm.inc.

Inquiries

For Research

Office of LC-SCRUM-Asia
National Cancer Center Hospital East
Phone: 04-7133-1111 (Main line)
Email: lc-scrum-asia@east.ncc.go.jp

For Media

Office of Public Relations, Strategic Planning Bureau
National Cancer Center
Phone: 04-7133-1111 (Main line)
E-mail: ncc-admin@ncc.go.jp

PREMIA

Vivian Liu
Head of Corporate Affairs
vliu@premia-inc.com

Paradigm Health Inc.

Jacquelyn Miller
Communications
jacquelyn.miller@paradigm.inc