Alvogen Inc. (“Alvogen”), the US-based generic pharmaceuticals company, today announced that it has expanded its operations in India, by establishing own clinical research organization (“CRO”) and
- Clinical service and API sourcing capabilities established
- Experienced Indian management team leads expansion
New Jersey, April 28th, 2010 - Alvogen Inc. (“Alvogen”), the US-based generic pharmaceuticals company, today announced that it has expanded its operations in India, by establishing own clinical research organization (“CRO”) and an API sourcing office in Bangalore. The CRO will specialize in the management of clinical trials and offer a complete range of clinical research services to Alvogen and third parties. The sourcing office will play a central role in further strengthening Alvogen’s relationships with Indian suppliers for raw materials.
A world class team, with a proven track record, will lead Alvogen’s operations in India. Dr. Saral Thangam MD, PhD, is the Managing Director of the new CRO and holds more than 15 years of experience in clinical trials. Prior to joining Alvogen, she was the Managing Director of Lotus Labs (“Lotus“) in India from 2006-2010. Sudhir Pai and Fjalar Kristjansson have also joined Alvogen´s CRO, to support Group´s expansion in India. Pai is the co-founder and former Managing Director of Lotus and was recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005, by industry magazine Biospectrum. Kristjansson holds a doctorate in Pharmaceutical Chemistry with more than 30 years of experience in life sciences.
The CRO will be managed by Alvogen´s subsidariary Norwich Pharmaceuticals under the name Norwich Clinical Services. The company will offer a complete range of clinical research capabilities, including Phase I – IV trials, bio-analytical studies and pharmacovigilance monitoring. The CRO will employ around 100 people, within its first year of operation. The Group´s sourcing office operates under the Alvogen name.
Commenting on today´s announcement, Robert Wessman, Executive Chairman of Alvogen said: „This strategic move provides us with valuable CRO capabilities in India, at the same time as it supports our fast growing third party business. Our goal is to build a world-class CRO in India that can enhance our global R&D work. After years of experience with the Indian team in creating and growing Lotus, we look forward to expand our new business in India.”