Oncology Services Europe (OSE), a full service contract research organization specialized in clinical drug development in oncology, has launched its India operations with establishment of independent clinical services company Oncology Services India (OSI) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

OSI will offer a complete clinical service range from phase-I (first-in-men) to phase-IV (PMS) trials. The new entity in India combines the best of clinical research capabilities of Europe and India, said a release here.

Announcing the initiative, OSI chief executive officer Dr Vimal Sanghavi said, "Oncology Services is looking to replicate the success of its European experience of multi-centric global trials in Indian subcontinent. Clinical trials have grown increasingly global, larger and more complex. Government regulations are progressively more stringent, requiring more studies with larger patient populations especially in Oncology. India is a favourable destination for conducting multinational clinical trials in the oncology segment. Availability of large number of therapy-naive patients in various cancer entities, highly qualified and experienced investigators and hospitals in India, coupled with the latest technological infrastructure, is the driving force of OSI."

The two companies complement technical strengths of each other and shall gain expertise from the synergies in technical areas of clinical research. With assignments underway and initial plans to offer services to offshore clients, apart from Indian clients, OSI is all set to establish a new benchmark for Indian clinical research industry, the release said.

OSE is looking to tap the high growth potential of clinical services sector in oncology segment of India. Company is looking to tap lion's share of country's $ 300-million clinical trials market that is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 15 per cent over the next four years. By 2011, this will bring nearly 15 per cent of the total global clinical trials to India and will generate annual revenue of $1 billion, according to market studies and research statistics.

"By extending presence in India, OSE can reap definite benefits of faster recruitment for quality data and cost effective clinical services for its global clients. Clinical services are now a global opportunity for India with a strong competitive edge based on speed and quality of clinical development. Pharmaceutical / biotech companies are looking to outsource their clinical trials management to partners who know how to work within changing regional and global clinical trial regulations," OSE chief executive officer Dr Wolfgang Beier said.