ICON plans to expand its UK hospital-based presence on the Manchester Royal Infirmary Campus, securing a 40,000-sq.-ft. site at Citylabs, a newly developed biomedical center of excellence.
 
ICON currently operates a hospital-based Clinical Pharmacology Unit on the Manchester Royal Infirmary Campus, where it will continue to run its Phase I operations until fully transitioning into the new Citylabs facility, which is expected to open in 4Q13.
 
Along with the Translational Medicine Research Center, Citylabs will feature biohealth organizations, including the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester and other commercial research organizations.
 
“We are pleased to be expanding our early phase development services through the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine in Citylabs,” said Dr. Mario Rocci, president, ICON Development Solutions. “This expansion will enable ICON to increase the capacity of its Clinical Pharmacology Unit in Manchester as well as the scientific services that are essential in providing a world class offering.”
 
Mike Deegan, chief executive of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said, “This exciting development supports our progress to be the leading hospital for research and patient care in England and Citylabs will strengthen our capability to support the development of new medicines and diagnostics for our patients. We are pleased that ICON, who is one of the leaders in early phase trials, is expanding into Citylabs which will help our patients to get early access to leading edge new treatments.”