GVK Biosciences (GVK BIO), Asia's leading integrated research services provider and Excel PharmaStudies (Excel), a leading Chinese clinical research organization announced a strategic alliance to conduct clinical trials in Asia.

The alliance provides clinical trial sponsors access to the scientific skills, talent pool, flexible resourcing, and cost-effectiveness of both India and China. India has sponsor friendly regulations and strength in phase-II/III clinical trials; China has strengths in its large market, phase-III and post marketing phase-IV studies. Through the GVK BIO-Excel alliance sponsors will be able to conduct phase-II-IV trials using India and China as required with speed and efficiency.

Under the terms of the arrangement, GVK BIO and Excel will help sponsors conduct and manage phase-II-IV clinical trials, statistical analysis and medical writing. Any India trial for Excel will be carried out by the GVK BIO clinical research team and will be managed by a core project management team of Excel. Similarly, a GVK BIO China trial will be carried out by the Excel team and managed by GVK BIO's project management team.

"This is a first of a kind alliance between an Indian CRO and a Chinese CRO. The GVK BIO-Excel alliance integrates trial management across India and China and provides sponsors with a single point of contact," said Manni Kantipudi, president of GVK BIO.

"It is an important step for Excel, and our clients, to be able to provide full services in both important countries," said Dr William Xiong, CEO Excel PharmaStudies.

The decision to form such an alliance comes close on heels of GVK Biosciences increased focus on clinical development. GVK BIO had recently strengthened its team by hiring Dr Shoibal Mukherjee, ex-Pfizer as its Clinical Development head. GVK BIO also added new services in pharmacovigilance and medical writing operating from its clinical research facility in Gurgaon, India.