Medidata Solutions (NASDAQ: MDSO), a leading global provider of SaaS-based clinical development solutions, today announced that Chugai Pharmaceutical, a member of the Roche Group and one of Japan’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has selected Medidata Rave® as the standard electronic data capture (EDC) and clinical data management (CDM) platform for its clinical trials. Chugai intends to use Medidata Rave to support all studies conducted during the multiyear contract term, from Phase I-IV.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Chugai focuses on the development of new treatments for oncology, renal and bone and joint diseases. After the company decided to streamline its clinical processes and provide better and faster access to quality data by moving away from paper-based data collection in clinical trials, it started an evaluation of several EDC systems. Based on its robust and superior range of product features, ease of use and reliability, especially for Japanese investigative sites and study teams, Chugai selected Medidata Rave.

In an effort to accelerate and enhance new drug development, Chugai has looked to Rave, a web-based system that is fast and compatible with any browser and offered the features and functions to meet Chugai’s needs. Chugai also noted that Rave’s wide use and popularity among site personnel in Japan made it a strategic choice to help drive site participation, satisfaction and retention. Additionally, Chugai is very interested in Medidata’s channel partner program, which provides a range of global Medidata-trained and accredited contract research organisations (CROs) and other outsourcing organisations to help manage aspects of sponsors’ clinical trials.

"As one of Japan’s leading pharmaceuticals, Chugai is at the forefront of developing new life-saving drugs in an increasingly global marketplace," said Tarek Sherif, CEO, Medidata Solutions. "Medidata’s leadership in the clinical technology market in Japan, based on our strong and varied customer base and the committed partnerships we have with local, regional and global CROs, will support Chugai in leveraging the most efficient and innovative technology to support their development goals."

As it ramps up usage of Medidata Rave for EDC studies and gains experience working with the system, Chugai also plans to implement Rave Safety Gateway to streamline adverse event reporting from sites by integrating Rave with its safety reporting systems. Chugai also is an active member of the Japan Medidata User Group (JMUG), a forum of Medidata customers that meet several times a year to share best practices.