NEXT Oncology Expands Phase I Cancer Trial Network to Japan Through Kansai Medical University Partnership
Key Insights
NEXT Oncology has formed a strategic partnership with Kansai Medical University in Osaka, Japan, expanding its Phase I cancer trial network to Asia under the direction of Dr. Toshio Shimizu.
The collaboration brings NEXT Oncology's global network to nine locations across four continents, treating more than 1,000 patients annually and cementing its position as one of the world's largest Phase I clinical trial organizations.
Kansai Medical University Hospital currently operates more than twenty first-in-human Phase I oncology trials and houses Japan's only Near InfraRed Photo-ImmunoTherapy (search) Research Institute.
NEXT Oncology, an Avacare (search) business, has expanded its global Phase I cancer trial network to Asia through a strategic partnership with Kansai Medical University in Osaka, Japan. The collaboration, announced in November 2025, establishes the organization's ninth international location and marks a significant expansion of early-phase cancer research capabilities in the region.
Under the partnership, Dr. Toshio Shimizu will serve as Director of the Phase I program at Kansai Medical University, bringing his extensive experience in early-phase drug development to Japanese cancer patients. Dr. Shimizu, a Professor in the Department of New Experimental Therapeutics and Director of Early Phase I Drug Development Services at Kansai Medical University Hospital, completed an advanced clinical fellowship in early Phase I drug development under NEXT Oncology CEO and Founder Dr. Anthony W. Tolcher from 2010 to 2012.
Expanding Global Reach
The partnership significantly expands NEXT Oncology's international footprint, adding to existing locations in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; Arlington, Virginia; Barcelona and Madrid, Spain; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The organization now treats more than 1,000 patients per year across its global network, cementing its position as one of the leading Phase I clinical trial centers worldwide.
"Our goal has always been to bring the future of cancer treatments to patients today," said Dr. Tolcher. "It's especially meaningful to collaborate with Dr. Shimizu, whose skill and vision I came to know during his clinical fellowship. Together with Kansai Medical University, we're building new bridges for innovation and expanding access to breakthrough therapies for patients in Japan and beyond."
Established Research Platform
Kansai Medical University Hospital brings substantial clinical trial infrastructure to the partnership. In November 2024, Dr. Shimizu launched a global oncology-focused first-in-human Phase I trial platform at the hospital, where more than twenty oncology first-in-human Phase I trials are currently ongoing. Dr. Shimizu previously engaged in numerous oncology Phase I trials at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo from 2016 to 2022 as Head of Physicians.
The university, established in 1928, specializes in cancer treatment, personalized genomic medicine, and regenerative medicine. Notably, its Near InfraRed Photo-ImmunoTherapy (search) Research Institute represents Japan's sole facility focused on this innovative cancer treatment method.
Clinical Infrastructure and Capabilities
Kansai Medical University Hospital operates with significant clinical capacity, maintaining 797 hospital beds and serving 2,173 outpatients daily on average, with 783 inpatients daily on average. The facility performs 13,038 annual surgery cases across 51 clinical departments as of May 1, 2025. The hospital's facilities span 773,397.7 square feet across premises of 340,268.7 square feet in a location accessible from both Osaka and Kyoto's downtown areas.
"NEXT Oncology and Dr. Tolcher's global leadership in developing innovative cancer therapies is personally inspirational and is giving new hope to patients around the world," said Dr. Shimizu. "Through this partnership, we're ensuring that patients in Japan are part of that progress – benefitting from breakthrough treatments that could transform outcomes worldwide."
Strategic Positioning
The expansion comes as NEXT Oncology operates under the IQVIA umbrella, having joined the clinical research services company in 2025. The organization is aligned with the Avacare (search) Clinical Research Network, IQVIA's network of specialized clinical research sites, which provides enhanced collaboration opportunities and expanded capabilities.
NEXT Oncology focuses on developing new anticancer agents for patients whose current cancer therapy is no longer effective. In the United States, the organization partners with Texas Oncology (search), the largest private oncology practice in the country with more than 400 referring medical oncologists, and Virginia Cancer Specialists (search), the largest private cancer practice in Northern Virginia.
As Kansai Medical University approaches its 100th anniversary, the institution emphasizes internationalization while maintaining its founding commitment to advancing healthcare for future generations. The partnership with NEXT Oncology represents a significant step in expanding access to experimental cancer therapies for Japanese patients while contributing to global oncology research efforts.