Quintiles opens new European headquarters in UK

Quintiles has officially opened its new European headquarters, located in Reading, as it seeks to strengthen its commitment to the key market.

During an opening ceremony conducted earlier this month, the biopharmaceutical services provider's founder, chairman and chief executive officer Dennis Gillings said the launch will help the firm to leverage the scientific expertise present in the UK.

The new Reading base brings together employees from each of Quintiles' four disciplines – clinical, commercial, consulting and capital solutions – which cover the spectrum of drug development and commercialisation services.

It follows the expansion of its phase I facility in London last March and the opening of a clinical research site at Queen Mary, University of London earlier this year.

Lord Howe, parliamentary undersecretary of state for health, said: "Having Quintiles open their European headquarters in Reading is excellent news. Their decision shows that the UK is an attractive environment for international pharmaceutical companies to invest in."

Earlier this month, the company announced the appointment of Steven Skolsky, a pharmaceutical industry veteran, as the global head of its clinical and data operations division.