US-based contract research organisation (CRO) PRA International has consolidated its presence in Mexico by opening a new office in Mexico City.

PRA first entered the Mexican market in 2005, with “years of long-standing South American operations” already under its belt, the CRO noted. “The region’s existing base of clinical sites with expertise in oncology, cardiovascular, central nervous system and infectious diseases match favourably to PRA’s therapeutic focus,” it commented, adding that the move also benefits the company and its clients in view of “Mexico’s reliable regulatory timelines and the ability to run placebo trials”.

The new location is close to the large population centre of Mexico City, provides easy access to the Ministry of Health and can serve as a hub for overseeing clinical trials in Central America, PRA said. More than 20 clinical staff are working at the facility, with room to expand to nearly 50 employees as trial volume grows.

“We are pleased to formalise our operations in Mexico with a new facility,” stated Charles Schmidt, PRA’s senior director of operations for Latin America. “Mexico is a country with a strong tradition in clinical trials. It will also help open the door for future expansion into Central America.”