Veeda Clinical Research, a leading European CRO with Indian operations has completed the acquisition of DICE, a CRO based in Brussels. The acquisition of DICE, a highly specialised CRO with 15 years of experience in data management, bio-statistics, statistical analysis and medical writing for clinical trials, enables Veeda to offer the biopharmaceutical market an ever greater depth of scientific expertise, delivered from sites in the UK, mainland Europe and the Indian sub continent.

Marie-Paule Derde, director, DICE, will remain with the company with responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the business. She will continue being assisted by Professor Leonard Kaufman, head of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics of the University of Brussels.

"The acquisition of DICE by Veeda CR provides expansion opportunities, both in Europe and through taking advantage of the high capacity and cost advantages of India" said Derde.

Veeda CR sees great potential in building on the data management expertise of the newly acquired DICE team and sees an investment in the infrastructure of the Brussels operation as a vital first step in the planned growth of its CDM activity.

Apurva Shah, Veeda director, said "This is an important and exciting time for Veeda CR and our clients will immediately benefit from the high quality service of DICE as part of an ever more comprehensive service offering from Veeda CR".

Veeda Clinical Research is a specialist CRO with top class clinical pharmacology units equipped with a total of 185 beds between both units in Plymouth, UK and Ahmedabad, India. The Veeda CR service blends 20 years of phase I expertise in Europe with the substantial benefits, both intellectual and economic, of the Indian sub Continent. With the acquisition of DICE, Veeda CR will be well placed to deliver cost effective, timely research solutions to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries worldwide.

The CRO has dedicated clinical pathology, bioanalysis, biomarker and immunogenicity laboratory services which are GLP accredited and has access to an extensive database of volunteers. Veeda CR can locate the right trial in the right place, with the UK Unit offering specialised, highly demanding studies and the Indian Unit offering vast populations, excellent turnaround times and considerable economies.