Why Proven Imaging Core Lab Infrastructure Matters in APAC and China

A Conversation with Perceptive’s Gennan Chen, PhD

As China and the broader APAC region continue to accelerate their presence in global drug development, the role of dependable imaging infrastructure has become critical. Here, Gennan Chen, PhD, Sr. VP and General Manager of Perceptive Imaging APAC reviews why established, proven imaging capabilities are essential for successfully executing clinical trials in this rapidly evolving landscape.

China is becoming a major focus for global sponsors. What’s driving this shift?

Over the past several years, China has transitioned from a “watch and wait” region to one that companies increasingly prioritize. We’re seeing a surge in cross‑border licensing, high‑value partnerships, and multinational collaborations—all signaling growing trust in China’s innovation, quality, and data reliability.

The execution of trials here has matured significantly. And from a cost and speed perspective, it has also become an important hub for first-in-human or early phase trials. Sponsors now recognize that participating early and executing clinical trial imaging correctly from the start can unlock not only faster enrollment but also more credible global‑ready datasets.

“Without proven infrastructure, sponsors risk inconsistent image quality, delayed reads, re-scans, compliance issues, and ultimately, regulatory setbacks.” – Gennan Chen, PhD, Sr. VP and General Manager of Perceptive Imaging APAC

What makes clinical trial imaging particularly challenging in APAC? 

Imaging is often the backbone of endpoint assessment, especially in new or rare therapies such as RPT / RLT in oncology, rare diseases, neurology, and cell and gene therapy trials. The challenge is that new tracer availability, imaging standards, expectations, and regulatory requirements must be met consistently—no matter where the data originates.

In APAC, and China specifically, variability can occur when relying on unfamiliar sites or new imaging partners. Without proven infrastructure and experienced staff on the ground, sponsors risk inconsistent image quality, delayed reads, re-scans, compliance issues, and ultimately, regulatory setbacks.

That’s why having an experienced, embedded imaging core lab is vital. It ensures global‑grade quality is upheld even when sites are operating in rapidly growing or complex ecosystems.

How does Perceptive’s imaging core lab address the need for clinical trial imaging consistency and quality in APAC? 

We’ve built the most localized APAC operation within a truly global imaging CRO. That matters because sponsors don’t just need a vendor—they need a team that understands both global regulatory rigor and the intricacies of execution within China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

Our infrastructure includes:

• A high‑velocity global reader network, including experts within the region
• Long‑standing relationships with principal investigators and hospitals
• Regional medical, scientific, and operational leaders with deep therapeutic experience
• Dual‑team support that enables global oversight combined with local executional depth

The scale is also significant—our team undergoes 50+ inspections each year and has supported 85+ NMPA approvals from clinical trials conducted in the APAC region. That level of exposure builds the muscle memory required to anticipate challenges and deliver audit‑ready, globally compliant imaging datasets.

How do you ensure clinical trial imaging data from APAC meets those expectations? 

Everything we do is built around traceability, standardization, and readiness for international review. We help sponsors maintain compliance across every imaging workflow, from acquisition to independent review to submission prep.

Our teams often support emerging biotechs who need to demonstrate credibility to potential partners or investors. Having clean, reliable imaging data accelerates due diligence, strengthens licensing discussions, and reduces the risk of later rework.

Simply put, proven infrastructure gives sponsors confidence that medical images collected in China or APAC will hold up under the scrutiny of regulators and global collaborators.

Perceptive APAC is known for “time-zone acceleration.” How does this benefit trial sponsors? 

One of the natural advantages of Perceptive’s APAC operations is that we work while other regions are offline. Our operational model turns that into a productivity engine. Overnight, deliverables move forward, queries get answered, and reviews continue in a 24‑hour cycle.

When combined with our global expert reader network, this creates true timeline acceleration, something especially valuable in competitive therapeutic areas or when preparing for major milestones like FDA or EMA interactions.

What about China-only programs? Do they require the same infrastructure? 

Absolutely. Even when a program is intended primarily for China, sponsors still want the confidence that their imaging data is globally acceptable. We offer localized pricing aligned with regional expectations, but without compromising on quality or compliance.

Speed and cost efficiencies are important—but they can never come at the expense of data integrity. Our model ensures sponsors don’t have to choose between the two.

Final Thoughts

As China and the APAC region continue to expand their impact on global clinical development, clinical trial imaging remains one of the most critical—and most complex—components of trial execution. Proven, deeply localized infrastructure paired with global‑standard rigor isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s what enables sponsors to accelerate timelines, reduce risk, and scale confidently into one of the world’s most dynamic clinical landscapes.