Global CRO PPD has officially opened its €14 million contract research facility in Athlone, Ireland, where it previously ran a medical communications safety call centre This was built with support from the Irish Development Agency and 21 staff have already been hired. In time, PPD expects to employ 250 people.

The facility includes a 1,670 m2 analytical testing laboratory that will conduct tests for clinical programmes and marketed products at all phases of drug development, including method development; validation; stability, release and QC testing. There is also a clinical supplies operation and PPD is applying to the Irish Medicines Board for manufacturer licenses to support both investigational and marketed products and laboratory certifications for QC of medicinal products.