PharmaNet Development Group, Inc., a leading provider of clinical development services to innovative pharmaceutical, biotechnology, generic drug and medical device companies, announced the opening of a new office in Sao Paulo, Brazil to further enhance its Latin American presence.

PharmaNet has been providing clinical trial support in Latin America since 2002 with a network of field-based staff in Brazil, Mexico and Peru and an office in Argentina which opened in 2003. The new office in Sao Paulo, Brazil underscores the company's commitment to serve the needs of its clients in this region. Brazil is a highly desired location for clinical research due to its qualified investigators, large patient population, high standard of care and rigorous regulatory standards which are aligned with US and EU regulations.

"The number of clinical trials in Latin America has experienced significant growth over the past ten years," said Fernanda Duran, executive director, Latin American operations. "Our clients are more actively requesting Latin American sites in order to meet aggressive timelines for patient recruitment, thus bringing their new drugs to market sooner. I am thrilled about opening this office in Brazil which will enhance our infrastructure in the region."

"We are excited to continue our expansion into Latin America, a region which offers excellent resources for conducting clinical trials," said Jeffrey P. McMullen, president and chief executive officer. "In addition to our Buenos Aires office, we have superior field-based staff in the area and the new office will provide them with the facilities to continue to demonstrate their high-quality work for our clients."

PharmaNet's increased presence and capacity in the Latin American region also reflect the importance of Brazil's contribution to the global clinical research market. Clinical trials have been taking place in the region since the early 1990s and FDA audits have indicated that the quality of trials in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico are sound. Investigators in the region are familiar with the various aspects of clinical trials and have the necessary technical expertise and experience.

PharmaNet expects the news of a second office in the region to be well received by its clients and the company looks forward to increasing the number of clinical trials currently taking place in Brazil. The new office will enable the Company to meet the current and future needs of its clients, expedite the execution of clinical studies and continue the growth of strategic relationships with investigators and sites in Brazil.