Alvogen expands its operations in India

Published: 29-Apr-2010

Clinical service and API sourcing capabilities established


Alvogen, a US-based generic pharmaceuticals company, has expanded its operations in India by setting up its own clinical research organisation (CRO) and an API sourcing office in Bangalore.

The CRO will manage clinical trials and offer a range of clinical research services to Alvogen and third parties. The API sourcing office will play a central role in further strengthening Alvogen's relationships with Indian suppliers for raw materials.

Saral Thangam will lead the new CRO as managing director. Thangam has more than 15 years of experience in clinical trials. Prior to joining Alvogen, she was managing director of Lotus Labs in India. Sudhir Pai and Fjalar Kristjansson have also joined the CRO. Pai is co-founder and former managing director of Lotus. Kristjansson has more than 30 years of experience in life sciences.

Alvogen's subsidariary Norwich Pharmaceuticals will manage the CRO under the name Norwich Clinical Services. It will offer a complete range of clinical research capabilities, including Phase I–IV trials, bio-analytical studies and pharmacovigilance monitoring. Around 100 people will be employed at the CRO within its first year of operation.

The API sourcing office will operate under the Alvogen name.

Robert Wessman, executive chairman of Alvogen, said: 'This strategic move provides us with valuable CRO capabilities in India, at the same time as it supports our fast-growing third party business. Our goal is to build a world-class CRO in India that can enhance our global r&d work. After years of experience with the Indian team in creating and growing Lotus, we look forward to expand our new business in India.'

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