Alvogen said that the CRO will specialise 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 team, with a proven track record, will lead Alvogen’s operations in India. Saral Thangam 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 in India from 2006-2010.
Reportedly, Sudhir Pai and Fjalar Kristjansson have also joined Alvogen’s CRO, to support Group’s expansion in India. Mr Pai is the co-founder and former managing director of Lotus.
The CRO is expected to 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.
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 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.”