DIA, founded as the Drug Information Association, has named Hajime “Jim” Saijo, PhD, MBA, as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Japan. In this capacity, Dr. Saijo will be tasked with leading the regional strategic efforts of DIA in Japan, which provides the largest global, neutral, multidisciplinary forum for life science professionals to engage with key stakeholders and each other, as well as continuing the evolution of the organization’s thought leadership and knowledge platforms in Asia and beyond.

Prior to joining DIA, Dr. Saijo was Corporate Officer for CMIC K.K. and previously led the Strategy Management Office for CMIC Holdings Co. Ltd., the largest Contract Research Organization in Japan. A registered pharmacist, he also served as Director of R&D for Alcon Japan; Representative Director for Start-Up Operations of Ferring Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd; Director of Clinical Development, General Manager for Production and Sales, and other roles for Alexon Pharma; and as Vice President of Medical, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs for Japan and APEC for OvaScience. He holds a PhD in Medical Science from Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, and an MBA in Business Administration from Temple University Business School, Japan.

“Dr. Saijo possesses a deep level of executive experience in biopharma and CRO roles in both R&D and commercial leadership,” said Barbara Lopez Kunz, Global Chief Executive, DIA. “He has the practical know-how and management experience of the challenges, rewards, and essential nature of therapeutic development R&D and health policy, and the structure and importance of regulatory environments in helping our members expand and accelerate patient access to life-changing therapies. We look forward to the key insights he will bring to drive action alongside and with our volunteers and members.”

“I am excited to begin,” said Saijo. “This is a crucial and necessary moment in the life sciences industry—not just for the collaboration among stakeholders and regulators, but for the benefit of patients. Global developments call out for harmonization of reporting standards and streamlined development pathways for rapid approval of innovative therapies—in fact, they demand it, and I’m pleased to be part of an organization with these goals.”