The new office, which will manage Chiltern’s local early development and Phase I to IV clinical trial activities, is one of a number set up by trials firms hoping to tap central and Eastern Europe’s (CEE) large treatment naïve patient population.
In the last few months for example US firm Synteract and Sweden’s Trial Form Support International (TFS) both announced plans to set up offices in the region of the first time.
In addition contract research organisations with an established presence in the region like Icon, PRA International, Quintiles, Covance and PPD have all expanded there operations.
Lewis Cameron, Chiltern’s executive vice president for Europe, confirmed this trend explaining that: “Central and Eastern Europe continues to be a key focus for our clinical trials and Hungary is an important component of this region.”
Attila Lorinczi, who will manage Chiltern’s new Hungarian unit, said that: “Hungary and the CEE region continue to provide excellent quality data and good patient recruitment rates,” both of which are critical factors for clinical development.
Dr Lorinczi added that Chiltern expects the number of pharma industry sponsors conducting trials in Hungary to increase as a result of “the knowledge and expertise of Hungarian investigators and the availability of quality staff.”
Global expansion continues
The new office also re-emphasises Chiltern’s desire to expand on the global stage. Earlier this month the firm opened a unit in the Belgian capital Brussels, explaining that the region’s reputation for top quality work had been a key factor in its decision.
Prior to this in April Chiltern expanded its presence in South America, another emerging global clinical trials hub, through the acquisition of Brazilian full service CRO and patient recruitment specialist Vigiun.
With the new Hungarian office Chiltern now has operating units in 27 countries.