Contract research organisation PRA opens Singapore office

PRA has opened a new office in Singapore that will act as a centralised operations base for its activities in the region.

The US contract research organisation's new facility will provide monitoring, project management, safety reporting, feasibility and other services.

Helen Neal, PRA's director of clinical operations for Asia-Pacific, said: "Building our capability across the region with the centre in Singapore permits our sponsors to experience a wider range of services and expertise.

"This location provides our teams with access to experts and resources within their time zone, positively impacting our speed and quality of delivery on projects."

PRA has been steadily expanding its Asia-Pacific operations since 2000 and its operations in the region also include Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and India.

The expansion mirrors investments from the pharma industry in new research operations. Last year Merck & Co pledged $1.5bn to expand its presence in China and Bayer said it expects Asia to account for €11bn of sales by 2015.