Excel Life Sciences, a U.S.-based, India-focused company, has hired Dr. Vijai Kumar to serve as the company's president and chief medical officer. Dr. Kumar has been involved with more than 200 clinical trials and 20 approved NDAs in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

"Dr. Kumar's leadership, combined with the unique assets of Excel Life Sciences, will create an unmatched presence in this industry. It will help biopharmaceutical companies conduct global clinical trials in India with confidence, while complying with the highest regulatory and ethical requirements," said Bedi Singh, Excel Life Sciences Chairman and former CFO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "His extensive experience in almost all aspects of drug development and research methodology will help us consistently exceed our customer expectations."

Dr. Kumar previously served as the global medical director of Neeman Medical. In addition, he has been active in a variety of expert groups convened by the Drugs Controller General (India) to develop GCP guidelines and review the existing Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Excel Life Sciences' service offerings include clinical trials, technology transfer, product licensing, formulation research, new product development, establishing GCP compliant sites and training of all clinical trials stakeholders, with an emphasis on emerging markets.