Indian and Chinese CROs GVK Bio and Excel team up for clinical trial services

Indian & Chinese CROs team up, for the first time.

GVK Bio and Excel in pact to provide clinical trial services in Asian region.

The India CRO GVK Biosciences (GVK Bio) and Chinese Excel PharmaStudies (Excel) have joined hands to offer clinical trial sevices in Asian region – a first-ever alliance between a Chinese and Indian CRO.

The GVK – Bio Excel alliance expects to synergise the strengths of each company and offer clients with services that span India and China.

Under the terms of the arrangement, GVK BIO and Excel will help sponsors conduct and manage Phase II-IV clinical trials, statistical analysis and medical writing. Any India trial for Excel will be carried out by the GVK BIO clinical research team and will be managed by a core project management team of Excel. Similarly, a GVK BIO China trial will be carried out by the Excel team and managed by GVK BIO’s project management team.

“This is a first of a kind alliance between an Indian CRO and a Chinese CRO. The GVK BIO-Excel alliance integrates trial management across India and China and provides sponsors with a single point of contact”, said Manni Kantipudi, president GVK BIO.

The GVK Bio-Excel pact provides clinical trial sponsors access to the scientific skills, talent pool, flexible resourcing, and cost-effectiveness of both India and China. India has sponsor friendly regulations and strength in Phase II/III clinical trials. While China triumphs in its large market, Phase III and post marketing Phase IV studies. Through the GVK BIO-Excel alliance sponsors will be able to conduct Phase II-IV trials using India and China as required with speed and efficiency, a company statement said.

“It is an important step for Excel, and our clients, to be able to provide full services in both important countries”, said Dr William Xiong, CEO Excel PharmaStudies.

The decision to form such an alliance comes close on heels of GVK Biosciences increased focus on Clinical Development. GVK BIO had recently strengthened its team by hiring Dr. Shoibal Mukherjee, ex-Pfizer as its Clinical Development Head. GVK BIO also added new services in  pharmacovigilance and medical writing operating from its clinical research Facility in Gurgaon, India.

This is the first time a CRO from India teaming up with a Chinese counterpart in conducting clinical trials. As emerging destinations, both India and China are competing each other showcasing their strength to offshoring clients. Several Indian CROs have tie-ups or operations in the US and European regions but not in China, as of yet.

GVK Biosciences (www.gvkbio.com) offers integrated research services to Big Pharma and biotech companies globally. GVK BIO has a diverse customer portfolio including 15 Big Pharma companies, Agri & Life-sciences companies, leading biotechs and academic institutions. Headquartered in Hyderabad, India, GVK BIO has more than 1,500 employees spread across research facilities in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Gurgaon in India.

Excel PharmaStudies, Inc. is a full-service provider of clinical research, registration, biometrics, and training and consultation services. Excel is the leading CRO in China, with more limited operations throughout Asia. Excel has 17 offices worldwide.