BioReliance Corporation, the US-based contract service provider offering cost-effective testing services to the pharma and biopharma industries, has set up its liaison office in Bangalore as part of its expansion plans to address significant growth opportunities on the Indian subcontinent.

The company, which is providing biologics safety testing toxicology, viral manufacturing and laboratory animal diagnostic services to the pharma and biopharma industries worldwide, has identified a growing opportunity of the world class biotech, pharma and vaccine companies in India, announced the company officials.

BioReliance currently has its established presence in UK and US. "To date, we have successfully served the Indian biopharmaceutical marketplace through our UK offices," said Jarlath Keating, senior director of Sales, North America and Asia Pacific. "However, at this time when the Indian bio-manufacturing market is growing in experience and reach, it is clear that having a local presence will be the best manner in which to support our clients for the future. We look forward to working more closely with the businesses in this important region and assisting them in growing their global presence," he added.

Opening a liaison office in India will provide a distinct business advantage for BioReliance, said David Walker, vice president and chief financial officer. Commenting that the step clearly fits the company's strategy to enhance its global presence, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, he added, "We are pleased to be able to offer our Indian customers a local point of contact to utilize and help strengthen their partnership with BioReliance."

However, the company officials refused to reveal the future plans and have said that the current focus is on strengthening the liaison activities which is already on the way. At present, BioReliance Corporation offers more than 1,000 tests or services related to biologics safety testing, cell and virus bank manufacturing, in vitro and in vivo toxicology, and lab animal health diagnostics globally.

Founded in 1947 as Microbiological Associates, BioReliance is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, has primary facilities in Rockville, Glasgow, Scotland and Stirling, Scotland, an office in Tokyo, Japan, and employs more than 650 people across the world.