PPD has opened a new central laboratory in China, the Wilmington-based clinical research organization announced Monday.

The new lab, located in Shanghai, will “deliver global scientific and technical laboratory expertise to meet growing client demand for these services in China,” the company’s news release stated.

Established in association with Shanghai Clinical Research Center (SCRC), the new lab offers safety and general lab testing, specialized testing, biomarker testing and custom assay development and testing services, according to the release. The same services are available at PPD’s other central labs, which are located in Brussels, Belgium; Highland Heights, Kentucky; and Singapore. All four labs will use the same testing platforms, calibrators and calibrating standards and reagents, ensuring identical results regardless of where the testing is performed.

Although PPD has had central lab operations in China since 2008, the new lab "represents our ongoing investment toward the continued growth of our contract research operations in China," company spokesman Randy Buckwalter said in an email Monday.

"This new lab in Shanghai enables us to partner closely with our clients to deliver strong scientific and technical expertise across a broad range of highly customized central lab services," Buckwalter said. "Shanghai offers a business-friendly climate and a highly skilled work force, both of which are important factors to help ensure the successful future and growth of our business.

"The facility also is strategically located to clients we serve throughout the Asia Pacific region," he continued. "PPD has a strong operation and client base throughout that region, which includes 20 locations in 13 Asia Pacific countries."

The new facility is accredited via SCRC’s medical license issued by China’s Ministry of Health, as well as the College of American Pathologists, NGSP and ISO 15189 certifications—all of which are crucial to conducting clinical trials in China successfully, the release stated.