PPD opens new offices in Philippines and India to extend in contract research reach in growing Asian markets

PPD, a USA-based contract research organization, has announced the opening of offices in Manila, Philippines, and Bangalore, India, expanding its Phase II-IV clinical development services in response to growing client demand in the Asia/Pacific region. PPD will provide clinical management services in key therapeutic areas from both locations.

The offices strengthen PPD's full range of drug discovery and development services and continue to position the company to capitalize on the tremendous growth of the outsourcing market in Asia Pacific. PPD recently expanded in this region through its acquisitions of Excel, the market leader and one of the largest CROs in China, and BioDuro, a drug discovery outsourcing company, the US CRO noted.

'With 90 million people living in the Philippines and more than 20 million in Manila, there is enthusiasm for local expansion and involvement in clinical trials,' said Lesley Gerrard, director of clinical management in PPD's Melbourne, Australia, office. 'The recent opening of the Manila office demonstrates PPD's commitment to the growth and development of emerging markets in Southeast Asia and to further exploration of the opportunities that exist within this region,' he added.