CRO

PPD's BioDuro opens Shanghai discovery lab

BioDuro General Manager Jasmine Cui

BioDuro, PPD's China-based drug discovery business, has opened a state-of-the-art facility in Shanghai, a lab the company says will help it cozy up to clients in the growing Asian biopharmaceutical world.

The 72,000-square-foot lab offers early-phase necessities including bioanalytical, chemistry, discovery biology and oncology pharmacology services, the company said, working in tandem with BioDuro's existing facility in Beijing.

The Chinese outposts are outfitted with everything drug developers need to get through pre-clinical work, BioDuro said, and once a compound's ready for Phase I, clients can segue to PPD's well-established clinical research services.

"This new lab will allow us to meet the business needs of our clients more effectively by streamlining the discovery and development process, and continuing to enhance continuity and smooth transitions throughout the stages of development," BioDuro General Manager Jasmine Cui said in a statement. "For example, after a compound goes into Phase 0, the PPD organization can offer full clinical research services to develop the compound through post approval."

The facility is situated in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, allowing for customs-free services for customers in the booming Asia Pacific market, BioDuro said.

PPD bought BioDuro back in 2009, incorporating the company's Beijing-headquartered pre-clinical services into its global platform.

- here's the announcement