SCM CEO Dianne Sharpe told Outsourcing-pharma that although visit is a preliminary look at potential business opportunities for the UK firm, "the indications are that there is a good level of demand for complex, low volume sterile fill finish in this market.
“We’ve had an increasing amount of interest in our potent manufacturing capabilities, cytotoxic products in particular, so it will be interesting to pursue such opportunities.”
Sharpe suggested that SCM’s UK base would be a major selling point, explaining that it makes the firm an ideal partner for Japanese firms seeking to conduct trials or sell pharmaceutical products in Europe.
She also stressed the importance of gaining an insight into cultural aspects of the country’s drug industry adding that: “The next stage would be a more formal sales and marketing strategy to raise awareness of what we do.”
In the long term, depending on demand, SCM may establish a Japanese sales presence according to Sharpe, who believes “having someone local and ‘on the ground’ offers huge benefits from both a business development and a client servicing perspective.”
UKTI's International Trade Adviser Keith Stockdale said the organisation has “worked closely with SCM Pharma to promote its innovative products in overseas markets and the company will be a wonderful ambassador for the North East in helping showcase what the region has to offer."
More globally, SCM’s efforts to tap the Japanese market fit with both the growth strategy the firm has employed in Europe as well as its recently announced plan to expand in the US by attending the AAPS conference next month.