	Novotech, the Asia-Pacific CRO, has further strengthened its presence in South Korea with two major hospitals joining the Novotech partnership program - bringing more investigators, KOLs, and up to 4 million patients.

	The 900 bed Ulsan University Hospital (UUH), and the Hepatology Division in Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine at the 1,778 bed Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH), have joined the Novotech CRO partnership program, further strengthening Novotech's clinical service capabilities in South Korea.

	South Korea is a growing destination for clinical studies with quality infrastructure, world-class medical and hospital facilities, and supportive rapid start-up regulations. South Korea was Asia's most active country in clinical research after China last year, with over 400 sites opened by biopharma companies.

	Novotech is established in Asia with offices in 11 countries and more than 550 staff, while 19 leading hospitals and medical facilities across the region have now joined the Novotech CRO clinical partnership program. 

	Novotech CEO, Dr. John Moller, said biotech clients were increasingly running Phase I studies in Australia, benefiting from the 41% R&D tax credit, then moving to Asia for subsequent trials. "Having the same company that understands the study as it transitions into Asia is always reassuring for clients. Novotech uses the latest Oracle and Medidata technology, so seamlessly connects with global clinical partners."