ICON plc, a global provider of outsourced development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, has opened a full service central laboratory in Bangalore, India. The purpose-built, 15,000 sq ft facility expands ICON Central Laboratories’ existing network of laboratories located in Farmingdale, New York; Dublin, Ireland and Singapore. The new laboratory is in the process of receiving CAP (College of American Pathologists) and NABL (National Accreditation Board for Laboratory Testing) accreditation. “India has become a key region for global clinical trials, which has greatly boosted the demand for local laboratory testing within a global laboratory network,” commented Bob Scott-Edwards, President, ICON Central Laboratories. “Having a fully-owned facility in India provides clients with the reassurance that our core laboratory services, ranging from sample management and testing to final data transfer, adhere to our stringent global quality standards. We also offer a test menu that is second to none, which avoids the need to export samples and makes ICON a one-stop-shop for clients looking to conduct complex clinical trials in India.” ICON has also appointed Dr. Anuradha Rajput to the position of General Manager, ICON Central Laboratories India. Dr. Rajput joins ICON Central Laboratories after eight years with Clinigene International, where she held the position of General Manager and Laboratory Director. She has proven expertise in laboratory operations, business development, logistics, quality assurance processes and HR management. Dr. Rajput has a PhD in Biochemistry and is a certified CAP inspector.