William Harvey Research, a UK-based contract research organization (CRO) announced discussions with three leading Indian pharmaceutical companies for joint drug research and collaborations. “We are looking at drug research alliances in India and talking to three major Indian companies that are developing new drugs. However, it is too early to name the companies and the nature of discussions,” said Christoph Theimermann, CEO. Here’s the release.

Drug Safety Alliance, a safety-oriented contract research organization, named Deena B. Wegner VP of business development and strategy.  Said Cathy Stokes, DSA president and CEO: “Our vast experience in drug safety across the DSA team makes us unique in the industry and Deena will help us reach companies in need of global safety support, better IT options, and good risk mitigation and management strategies.” Here’s the release.

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Zhu Shen, CEO of BioForesight joined the editorial advisory board of PharmAsiaNews. Shen’s first guest column on Chinese CRO trends is titled “The Art of Selecting Outsourcing Partners in China.” “I am honored to join the editorial advisory board of PharmAsia News, whose extensive, in-depth and up-to-date news and analysis focusing on the Asia Pacific life science markets are unparalleled,” said Shen. Here’s the release.

NovaQuest received Lilly’s highest award for “flawless execution” over four years in helping Lilly achieve strategic and operational objectives vital to its business success. In honoring NovaQuest with its 2008 Lilly Global Sustained Supplier Award, Lilly cited NovaQuest’s ability to create, manage and execute strategic partnerships that have helped Lilly meet critical corporate priorities. Lilly CEO John Lechleiter presented the award to NovaQuest president Ron Wooten. “We are proud to have received this award, which recognizes the ongoing success Lilly and NovaQuest have achieved since our initial partnership in 2004 to co-promote Cymbalta, Lilly’s blockbuster treatment for depression, in the U.S.,” said Wooten.

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Halozyme Therapeutics appointed Patrick O’Connor, VP of research. It also named Michael LaBarre, VP of product development and James Cartoni, VP of legal. “Halozyme is committed to attracting, developing and retaining world-class talent. We are delighted that seasoned executives such as Patrick, Michael and Jim have joined the team,” said Jonathan Lim, president and CEO of Halozyme.

Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) firm invivodata announced more installments in its educational initiatives: two webinars. On September 16, 2008, invivodata scientists will explore various elements of the U.S. FDA draft guidance on PROs in clinical research. On October 28, the company will discuss the ePRO regulatory landscape in Europe.

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