Validant acquires Japanese regulatory consultancy IDEC

IDEC, a Japanese regulatory consultancy for the life sciences and pharmaceuticals industry, has been acquired by Validant, a US-headquartered global counterpart. 

“Validant shares our philosophy and approach in providing the highest quality services to support customers with complex regulatory needs,” said Chris Brünger, founder and chairman of IDEC. 

Founded in 2003, IDEC specialises in helping manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices and diagnostics with obtaining regulatory approval for their treatments in Japan. The firm brings local expertise to the table, and assists with both the design and implementation of market entry, commercialisation and product management strategies.

Validant has a similar portfolio of offerings. Established in 2005 in San Francisco, the consulting firm helps its clients – from corporates to start-ups – with quality, compliance, and regulatory consultancy services across the full lifecycle, from preclinical and clinical to the manufacturing and distribution phases. 

The bolt-on of IDEC marks the firm’s entry in Japan, and enhances its footprint in Asia, which recently was bolstered by the opening of an office in China. “Today’s announcement is another important milestone to achieving our ambition to extend our position as the leading quality, compliance and regulatory consulting firm in the healthcare sector globally,” said Brian Burns, chief executive officer of Validant. 

For IDEC, the joining of forces provides the local firm with a global network of clients, while deepening its offerings. “The combination of expertise and networks will maximise the potential of the business, grow our customer base, and provide more value to our clients,” said Naoya Kato, the chief executive officer of IDEC.