Chiltern International Limited (Chiltern), a global Clinical Research Organization (CRO) providing clinical development and staffing services in Europe, the Americas and India, announced the acquisition of Vigiun, a full service clinical research organization (CRO) located in São Paulo, Brazil. Established in 1999 by Eduardo Forleo, Maryland, and Elisa Halker, BSN, Vigiun has extensive experience conducting clinical trials in a variety of therapeutic areas, in particular infectious disease, oncology, and respiratory.

"We warmly welcome Vigiun to the Chiltern team," stated John Vann, executive vice president, Americas. "The acquisition of Vigiun enhances Chiltern's growing presence in Latin America, which was established nearly a year ago when we began operations in Argentina under the leadership of Oscar Podestá, our General Manager for Latin America. The knowledge and experience of Eduardo Forleo and Elisa Halker, and all of the Vigiun staff, will further strengthen our ability to serve our clients and continue our strategy for growth in the region."

Dr Forleo has been appointed Chiltern's Country manager for Brazil and Medical Director for Latin America. Halker will serve as director of Clinical Operations for Brazil. Dr Forleo said, "This is an exciting time to become a part of Chiltern. Our business has grown to the point that it makes sense to join forces with a global CRO whose mission and values align with ours. I look forward to contributing in very positive ways to the company's ongoing and future success."

"I am very pleased to have Vigiun join Chiltern," said Glenn Kerkhof, Chiltern's CEO. "Vigiun is an ideal complement to our existing Latin American operations and Chiltern's presence in 27 other countries as we serve the pharmaceutical and biotech industries globally." Latin America has a population of 503 million people, of which 192 million are in Brazil. This vast population provides a significant number of potential patients in all disease areas. Latin America is rich with experienced investigators and is known for high quality data and excellent patient retention in clinical trials.

Established in 1982, Chiltern is a leading global Contract Research Organization with extensive experience conducting and staffing international phase-I to phase-IV clinical trials across a broad range of therapeutic areas for a wide variety of clients.