DCT Japan Launches Collaboration with Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology for Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCT) - Enhancing Patient Access and Improving Clinical Trial Efficiency -

Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, an independent administrative institution, (Location: Itabashi-ku, Tokyo; President: Kenji Toba; hereinafter referred to as “TMIG”) and DCT Japan Inc. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Dr. Shinsuke Muto; hereinafter referred to as “DCT Japan”) have entered into a strategic partnership agreement to collaborate with satellite medical institutions for conducting Decentralized Clinical Trials (hereinafter referred to as “DCT”).
This partnership enables the establishment of a clinical trial framework centered around TMIG in DCTs supported by DCT Japan, creating opportunities to deliver clinical trials to a greater number of patients.

Background and Objectives

Traditionally, clinical trials have required patients to travel to specific medical institutions for in-person examinations, treatment and data collection, posing challenges in recruiting participants due to geographic and logistical barriers to participation. As a result, patient recruitment and the smooth progression of trials have often been difficult.
DCT has emerged as an innovative solution to address these issues. By utilizing solutions such as telemedicine, home nursing visits, and IoT technologies such as wearable devices, DCT enables patients to participate in clinical trials from their homes or local healthcare facilities. This approach significantly reduces patient burden, improves operational efficiency, and enables expanded access to a more diverse patient population.
Furthermore, with the persistent issues of drug lag and drug loss in Japan, establishing a globally competitive clinical trial infrastructure which meets international standards has become imperative. In comparison to conventional clinical operational models, DCT offers the potential for faster recruitment across a broader geographic area—sthereby enhancing the overall capacity to conduct clinical trials.
Despite its potential, DCT adoption in Japan remains in its early stages. Strengthening collaboration between trial sites and pharmaceutical companies is a crucial challenge. Through this new partnership, DCT Japan and TMIG aim to promote the expansion of DCT, enhancing patient access, improving trial efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening the cooperative framework of trial and satellite sites.

Roles and Responsibilities

Under this partnership, DCT Japan will share information on its supported DCTs with TMIG. Based on this information, TMIG will identify and recruit partner medical institutions within its network that are capable of participating in these trials. This initiative will create opportunities for more patients in the greater Tokyo area to participate in clinical trials.

Future Outlook

Expanding the broad network of participating medical institutions is vital to effectively promote DCT. With the support of TMIG, DCT Japan is actively working to identify and include more facilities capable of recruiting patients.
Going forward, the parties aim to broaden DCT participation opportunities to patients who have difficulty traveling to TMIG. This includes establishing partnerships with healthcare institutions in neighboring prefectures such as Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, and Tochigi. Through these efforts, they seek to overcome regional disparities and contribute to better patient access and greater clinical trial efficiency.

About Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCT)

DCT refers to clinical trials that do not rely on patient visits to centralized clinical trial sites. Leveraging telemedicine, home nursing services, and IoT technology such as wearable devices, DCT reduces the physical burden on patients due to their health condition or physical distance and improves trial enrollment rates, cost-efficiency, and operational flexibility.

About Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology (TMIG)

TMIG, an independent administrative institution, promotes health and longevity for the elderly by providing specialized medical care tailored to the physical and mental characteristics of the elderly, integrating clinical and research activities, and conducting studies aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of life (QOL) of elderly. The institution plays a key role in creating an urban model for a super-aged society in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
https://www.tmghig.jp/hospital/

About DCT Japan Inc.

DCT Japan Inc., established in February 2022 as part of the Integrity Healthcare Group, is Japan’s first company specializing in Decentralized Clinical Trials. The company offers comprehensive solutions for DCTs, including home nursing services, IT solutions such as telemedicine systems, and the development of satellite site networks to support efficient patient recruitment and trial execution.
https://dctj.co.jp/en/

For related inquiries, please contact
DCT Japan Inc.
Public Relations:pr＠dctj.co.jp