Wellquest, the independent clinical research division of Nicholas Piramal India Limited (NPIL), becomes the first Indian CRO (Clinical Research Organisation) to receive the Statement of GCP (Good Clinical Practices) Compliance from the UK-MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency), for clinical studies carried out to support the registration of generic products in the international regulated markets, the company said in a release.

Dr. Satish C Bhatia, president Wellquest, said, "This approval is certainly a big feather in our cap and a testament to our commitment towards compliance to the highest global standards and will encourage more international clinical research projects to be outsourced to India."

Besides the UK-MHRA, Wellquest has also obtained approval from the Brazilian regulatory body ANVISA and several international pharma companies based on facility audits. Dr. Swati Piramal, director Strategic Alliances & Communication at NPIL, commented, "We are poised for rapid growth with such compliance recognition. This will augur well for Wellquest to provide its quality services in clinical research to the international pharmaceutical industry."