Oncology Services Europe (OSE), a full service Contract Research Organization, specialized in clinical drug development in Oncology launched its India operations with establishment of independent clinical services company Oncology Services India (OSI) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. OSI will offer a complete clinical service range from Phase I (first-in-men) to Phase IV (PMS) trials.

With commencement of Indian operations, the basis of a new international “Oncology Specialist” within the global CRO business has been established. The new entity in India combines the best of clinical research capabilities of Europe and India.

Announcing the initiative, Chief Executive Officer of Oncology Services India (OSI), Dr. Vimal Sanghavi, said, “Oncology Services is looking to replicate the success of its European experience of multi-centric global trials in Indian subcontinent. Clinical trials have grown increasingly global, larger and more complex. Government regulations are progressively more stringent, requiring more studies with larger patient populations especially in Oncology. India is a favourable destination for conducting multinational clinical trials in the oncology segment. Availability of large number of therapy-naive patients in various cancer entities, highly qualified and experienced investigators and hospitals in India, coupled with the latest technological infrastructure, is the driving force of OSI.

The two companies complement technical strengths of each other and shall gain expertise from the synergies in technical areas of clinical research. With assignments underway and initial plans to offer services to offshore clients, apart from Indian clients, OSI is all set to establish a new benchmark for Indian clinical research industry. I am sure this will further win confidence of global research & development fraternity and attract a lot of clinical trial business in Asia Pacific region.”

Oncology Services Europe (OSE) is looking to tap the high growth potential of clinical services sector in Oncology segment of India. With proven expertise in clinical services segment and vast experience of handling assignments for leading international pharmaceutical / biotech companies, Oncology Services is offering comprehensive and diverse range of clinical services under one roof in India. Company is looking to tap lion’s share of country's $ 300-million clinical trials market is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 15 % over the next four years. By 2011, this will bring nearly 15 % of the total global clinical trials to India and will generate annual revenue of $1 billion, according to market studies and research statistics.

Sharing his views on commencement of Indian operations, Chief Executive Officer of Oncology Services Europe (OSE), Dr. Wolfgang Beier, said, “By extending presence in India, OSE can reap definite benefits of faster recruitment for quality data and cost effective clinical services for its global clients. Clinical services are now a global opportunity for India with a strong competitive edge based on speed and quality of clinical development. Pharmaceutical / biotech companies are looking to outsource their clinical trials management to partners who know how to work within changing regional and global clinical trial regulations.

By expanding our capacity to serve the needs of both multinational and local pharmaceutical companies, we will be able to bring a higher level of project management, quality and expertise to facilitate clinical trials. OSI will have unlimited access to expertise and technology assistance of our European operations. Our experience of dealing with international clients with diversified needs in terms of clinical services will be an asset to our Indian operations.”

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About Oncology Services:

Oncology Services Europe, based in Munich, Germany, is a specialized CRO in oncology clinical trials, provides technical expertise in terms of professional project management, and inter disciplinary consulting competence regarding the clinical development of anti-cancer drugs. It offers vast experience in undertaking Phase I – Phase IV including non-industrial studies. The list of esteemed clientele includes multinational pharmaceutical companies across European Union and US. Its Indian subsidiary, Oncology Services India, based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is afull-service Oncology CRO offering services from pre-clinical to post-marketing studies. It offers customized services of Project Management, Monitoring, Data Management, Biostatistics, EDC trials, Regulatory Consulting and Drug Development Consulting. OSI will participate in theyearly external audit procedure, which is part of the Standard Quality Management at OSE. Thus, the two companies can guarantee the client a high level of professionalism in conducting clinical trials based on an identical set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the core business of clinical research.