Chiltern expands European operations; opens new Netherlands office

03-Apr-2011 - Last updated on 04-Apr-2011 at 10:13 GMT

Chiltern International, a global contract research organisation (CRO) has expanded its European operations with the opening of a new office in the Netherlands.

The Berkshire, UK-based company claims the office, located in Leiden, will help it capitalise on an increasingly favourable market in the Low Countries- an area including Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Commenting on the announcement, Maurizio Passanisi, Chiltern’s director in the region said: “The Netherlands continues to be an excellent place for clinical research with experienced investigators as well as highly regarded international key opinion leaders, all adhering to the highest of medical standards."

Positive relationships

Newly appointed Netherlands country manager, Angela Pasma, said Chiltern hoped to build on existing ties with other Benelux companies and clients.

“Having already cultivated positive relationships with clients and colleagues in the region, we look forward to expanding our operations here to further serve our clients’ needs,” she said, “The Leiden office is well situated geographically to support this effort.”

Passanini claimed Pasma’s track record made her the ideal choice to head up the new office.

“In leading the growth of the Chiltern office in Leiden, Ms Pasma brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to support Chiltern’s growing full-service clinical and flexible staffing services in the region,” he said.

Perfectly aligned

Armand Czaplinski, executive director of global country management for Chiltern, said the opening of the Leiden office made perfect sense as the company looks to increase its presence across Europe.

“Chiltern’s expansion in the Netherlands aligns perfectly with our primary goal to deliver expert, high-quality services around the world and demonstrates our on-going commitment to regional expansion in order to serve our clients’ needs globally.”

Situated in the south of the Netherlands, Leiden is home to Leiden University: one of Europe’s foremost research institutes, with departments specialising in translational drug discovery and development, biopharmaceuticals and drug delivery technology.