Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals (ASX:PAR) engaged Nordic Bioscience Clinical Development as a complementary contract research organization to support the firm's ongoing pivotal third phase PARA_OA_012 clinical trial in knee osteoarthritis, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.

Nordic Bioscience will work collaboratively with Paradigm and Advanced Clinical, its global lead contract research organization, to activate and manage four additional clinical sites, one in Hong Kong and three in Moldova. These sites are expected to be activated in December and start recruitment in January 2026.

A clinical presence in Hong Kong will allow new drugs approved by a single recognized reference authority to apply for registration in Hong Kong under the recently introduced "1+" regulatory mechanism, provided supporting local clinical data and expert recognition are submitted.

Paradigm expects to finalize the activation of sites at around 60 globally.

The company's shares fell 5% in recent trading on Wednesday.