PRA sets up China shop with interest in Asia growing

August 23, 2012 | By Ryan McBride The global contract research group PRA has opened a second outpost in China as demand for clinical trials in Asia soars and the U.S.-based CRO's pharma customers set up their own operations in the country. PRA says that the latest office in Beijing's central business district gives the company a second location in the country, where it first established an outpost in 2005.U.S. and European pharma groups have flocked to China in search of patients for clinical trials and sales growth in one of the fastest-growing healthcare markets. Contract researchers have migrated to China as well, catering to clients with interest in conducting studies in the country. PRA says that it's been operating in China for more than 10 years, and the latest branch will support local project teams for clinical development in the country and place the firm close to clients."We are very excited about our continued expansion into China," Kent Thoelke, PRA's executive vice president of scientific & medical affairs, said in a statement. "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."