Singapore: PRA, a clinical research organization, has opened a second office in China to accommodate its continued expansion in the country and in the Asia Pacific region. PRA established its first China office in Shanghai in 2005. Its new facility is located in the central business district of Beijing and is expected to enhance the company's ability to meet the growing demand for clinical drug development programs and serve key clients in Beijing.

"As the demand for clinical sites in Asia increase, we continually strive to strengthen our existing operations in China and the Asia Pacific region," said Ms Helen Neal, regional director - Clinical Operations, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa, PRA. "By adding more professional staff and locations, we can give our clients greater access to these critical markets and geography. In addition to our expansion in China, we continue to increase our presence into new and emerging Southeast Asian regions for access to patients and resources."

"We are very excited about our continued expansion into China," said Mr Kent Thoelke, executive vice president, Scientific & Medical Affairs, PRA. "In order for global drug development to continue successfully, the need to access patients at high-quality ICH/GCP sites in emerging regions like China is critical. PRA's expansion in this market gives us the ability to bring exciting new clinical trials to a much broader market in China, while providing even greater patient access to our clients and sponsor companies."