Greeting from the Director-General of the Center for Clinical Sciences

Wataru Sugiura

Wataru Sugiura M.D., Ph.D.

The Center for Clinical Sciences (CCS) at the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) advances clinical research that improves health, strengthens preparedness, and brings innovation to patients and society.
CCS comprises eight departments and twenty-two sections, offering expertise in clinical trials, industry-sponsored research, academia–industry collaboration, preventive epidemiology, international partnerships, and clinical data management. These capabilities support the development of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices, and healthcare technologies.
In April 2025, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and the National Center for Global Health and Medicine were integrated to form JIHS. As part of this new national institution, CCS plays a key role in strengthening Japan’s capacity to respond to future health emergencies. Building on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working to ensure that essential therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostic tools can be evaluated and delivered more rapidly when needed most.
Accelerating medical product innovation is CCS's top priority. To support early-phase clinical trials, we established the Department of Advanced Medicine at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in fiscal 2025. We are building the infrastructure, inpatient facilities, and systems needed for safe, efficient study conduct.
Our work is deeply international. CCS drives global vaccine, therapeutic, and diagnostic development from Japan by leading clinical trials with global research partners. Through ARISE—a network in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Viet Nam—we target infectious diseases vital to the region and the world. Partnerships now reach Africa and South America. In 2025, we concluded a PIU with Institut Pasteur and Kumamoto University, advancing the prevention of mother-to-child hepatitis B transmission in Africa and Asia.
High-quality clinical research relies on trusted data. JCRAC, our clinical trial data management unit, holds ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications. JCRAC supports both JIHS-led and external studies, ensuring research is reliable, conducted with integrity, and meets international standards.
CCS helps make drug development more efficient in Japan. Through the Clinical Innovation Network, we promote the appropriate use of medical information gained from clinical trials and routine healthcare. We fully respect the protection of personal information and ethical governance. By enabling the responsible use of real-world data, this initiative supports the development of new medicines and technologies.
Our goal is clear: connect science, clinical practice, public health, and innovation to ensure better medicines, diagnostics, vaccines, and technologies reach patients quickly and safely. We look forward to collaborating with partners in Japan and worldwide, and we sincerely appreciate your continued guidance and support.