Southern Star Research, an Australian contract research organisation (CRO) specialising in clinical trial acceleration with FDA data compliance, has announced its expansion into South Korea to offer clients access to medical and clinical excellence and patients in the region.

The Seoul, South Korea office is expected to open next month and the Singapore office to follow. The Singapore office will serve as the hub to support the Asia region.

Southern Star Research, CEO David Lloyd said while Australia has regulatory and tax benefits making it an attractive clinical trial destination, South Korea offers an excellent environment for later-phase trials.

"South Korea's large and diverse therapeutic area patient populations, supportive government regulatory environment, and medical excellence is attracting clinical-stage biotechs from around the world."

He said the combination of Australia, with supportive rebates, scientific excellence, and rapid approval processes including no requirement for an IND, and then access to South Korea and Singapore is a compelling offering.

He added, "The Australian Government has made all the right financial and regulatory adjustments to support the sector and the winners are biotechs. The attractive benefits apply to Australian and overseas biotechs and are designed to launch biotech clinical programs quickly and cost-effectively."

The CRO has recently become accredited to deliver gene and cell therapy clinical trials for biotech sponsors.