ShangPharma, a China-based R&D outsourcing company, has opened a new facility to meet the growing needs of one of its largest customers, Eli Lilly. ShangPharma also announced that it has signed a multi-year extension of its contract with Lilly.

The newly opened facility adds 110,000 sq. ft. of laboratory and office space to the company's overall capacity, and is fully dedicated to supporting Lilly's ongoing and future projects. ShangPharma's services consist of discovery chemistry, discovery biology and preclinical development, pharmaceutical development and biologics services.

"We are delighted to extend and deepen our highly productive relationship with Lilly," said Michael Xin Hui, founder and chief executive officer of ShangPharma. "Renewing our agreement to serve as a key support partner for Lilly's discovery services is a clear indication that international pharmaceutical companies appreciate the high quality of ShangPharma's team and the excellence of our R&D capability."