About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is simple – maximize the value of our client’s therapies. Founded on principles of scientific rigor, cultural sensitivity, and deep industry expertise, Aurora Clinical serves emerging biopharma companies by providing strategic, hands-on regulatory and clinical development support to expedite market entry into Japan.

Who We Are

Aurora Clinical is backed by seasoned professionals who excel in managing regulatory strategy and interactions, clinical development, pharmacovigilance tailored specifically to the Japanese market, while taking a strategic approach to integrate seamlessly with any parallel business development and market research activities to maximize the value of your assets in Japan .

Our Core Strengths

Scientific Rigor

Meticulous adherence to scientific and regulatory standards.

Cultural Sensitivity

Deep understanding of Japan’s cultural nuances to ensure smooth communication and effective partnership.

Industry Experience

Proven track record with successful regulatory endorsements and clinical developments.

Leadership

Johan Westblad

Managing Director

Johan brings extensive expertise in business development and strategic clinical operations focused on Japan’s life sciences market. With over two decades of experience, Johan has played pivotal roles in facilitating successful market entries for numerous international pharmaceutical and biotech companies in Japan.

 

Johan holds an MBA specializing in Finance from McGill University and an MSc in International Business with a Japanese specialization from Gothenburg University.

Austin Westerman-Gritli, PhD

Vice President, Clinical Program Management

Austin Westerman-Gritli is an accomplished expert in clinical program management, specializing in oncology drug development. With over 15 years of experience working and residing in Japan, he has dedicated the past 10 years to leading enabling clinical studies, ensuring seamless transition from initiation through successful completion.

 

His bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English facilitates clear communication and effective project execution, making him an invaluable asset in managing cross-border clinical developments.

Kazuhiko Sasaki

Senior Director, ICCC & Regulatory Affairs

Kazuhiko is a highly experienced pharmacist and regulatory affairs expert with 45 years of drug development experience spanning global pharmaceutical companies and CROs. Specializing in regulatory strategy, he has successfully executed clinical programs across therapeutic areas including respiratory, rheumatology, nephrology, cardiovascular, dermatology, oncology, and transplantation. Kazuhiko has served as Japan representative for global development teams, conducted numerous PMDA consultations, and managed over 30 Clinical Trial Notifications (CTNs). His extensive expertise ensures seamless navigation of the Japanese regulatory landscape.

Yuji Karasuyama

Senior Director, Clinical Operations, Safety & PVG

Yuji Karasuyama brings 25 years of clinical operations expertise from both pharmaceutical companies and CROs, specializing in ICCC project management. He has led over 30 ICCC projects as safety manager and clinical lead, successfully guiding products through marketing authorization, protocol development, and PMDA inspections. With additional expertise managing clinical trials in Australia and extensive experience supporting Investigator Initiated Trials, Yuji provides comprehensive oversight and operational excellence. His multifaceted background ensures efficient and effective clinical operations management.

Hajime Suzuki

Senior Director, Site Feasibility and KOL Management

With over 40 years in drug development and clinical research, Hajime Suzuki possesses deep expertise in oncology and hematology clinical trials. Having led feasibility research and managed relationships with over 300 KOLs, he has significantly contributed to the success of numerous oncology trials. His previous leadership roles at global CROs and senior positions at prominent pharmaceutical companies. Hajime’s strategic insights and extensive network ensure enhancement of client’s therapy awareness in Japan, effective KOL engagement and robust clinical trial execution.

Ryo Ishida

Vice President, Corporate Development

Ryo has over 25 years of experience in corporate strategy, vendor management, and clinical research. He holds a law degree from Hokkaido University and an MBA from The Ohio State University. After early roles in legal and planning, he led a U.S. company acquisition and a successful proxy fight at Drake Beam Morrin Japan.

 

He spent 12 years at Quintiles (now IQVIA), where he managed over 50 vendors and led a domestic CRO acquisition. He later served as Senior Director at Syneos Health Clinical, continuing his work in vendor management and CRO acquisitions. Ryo has also been a board member of the Japan CRO Association and remains a trusted advisor in Japan’s clinical development sector.

Get in Touch





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    Aurora Clinical
    Humax Ebisu Bldg. 8F
    Ebisu-Minami 1-1-1, Shibuya-ku
    Tokyo 150-0022, Japan
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