Manipal AcuNova, the clinical research organisation has set-up the Asia Clinical Research Centre at Whitefield, near Bangalore at an investment of $2 million to carry out clinical drug development and drug discovery research. The company has also inked a pact with GE Healthcare, the global medical equipment majors to speed up the process of clinical trials. The new centre was inaugurated by Sir William Castell LVO, vice chairman GE and chairman, GE Healthcare.









Ribbon Cutting: Sir William Castell,Vice Chairman GE & Chairman GE Healthcare, inaugurating the Manipal AcuNova Asia Clinical Research Center at Whitefield.

According to the memorandum of understanding, which is for a period of three years, GE Healthcare is expected to provide the diagnostic expertise to Manipal AcuNova's clinical trial efforts. The latter has conducted pilot studies and bagged orders in diabetes, cardiology and Parkinson.

The new laboratory also has a clinical pathology facility, clinical radiology unit and a cardiac safety centre which will be operational before April 2006.

The facility will be manned by a team of 150 personnel and the hiring of candidates with skills in clinical data management, molecular diagnostics and pharmacology is on.

"The state-of-the-art centre marks the focus and thrust of Manipal AcuNova to leverage its expertise in clinical research in the global market," stated Mr. D A Prasanna, vice chairman and managing director, Manipal AcuNova.

Sir William Castell said, "India's growing role in telemedicine and its scientific capability allows GE to take advantage of this skills base. In an era of personalised medicine better clinical abilities is a must and the new centre would accelerate faster treatment."

Manipal AcuNova is the only CRO, to have an in-house, expertise of 1300 physicians from the Manipal network of hospitals and has an access to over 1.2 million patients annually. It has conducted 22 studies (phase II to IV) in varied therapeutic areas making it one of the leading players in Indian clinical research.

"This gives us an extra edge to conduct clinical research and hasten the process required for the pharmaceutical industry," said Dr Ramananda Nadig, chief operating officer, Manipal AcuNova.

Manipal AcuNova is a joint venture between Manipal Education and Medical Group and AcuNova. Manipal AcuNova is a comprehensive, single source provider of clinical research of new drugs, devices and therapeutics. The company's research facilities are located at Bangalore, Mangalore and Manipal. Manipal AcuNova has wholly owned subsidiaries in US and UK. Leading Indian private equity institution - IL&FS Investment Managers recently invested Rs 110 million in Manipal AcuNova through the India Leverage Fund. In Oct 2005, was rated as 'India's No 1 Emerging CRO' by Proximare Inc., a New Jersey based leading strategic management consulting firm.