Wilmington-based Pharmaceutical Product Development announced Wednesday that it has been named to the 2012 InformationWeek 500, according to a news release.

The InformationWeek 500 is an annual recognition of the innovative users of business technology in the United States.

Company execs accepted the award during a ceremony Tuesday in Dana Point, Calif., the news release stated.

It’s the third consecutive time PPD – which ranked in the top 125 companies – has been featured on the list that includes other North Carolina companies such as Mooresville-based Lowe’s and Durham-based Quintiles. 

The clinical research organization was selected for its commitment to industry-leading technology solutions, including PPD 3D – a unique, avatar-based virtual learning environment created to train employees on a global scale, the news release stated.

“Our traditional classroom training program was highly acclaimed and effective for on-boarding and preparing clinical research associates,” Mike Wilkinson, PPD’s chief information officer and executive vice president, said in a news release. “Our learning and technology team evolved our training program to create a highly engaging, interactive and always-available virtual learning environment. The results have been impressive, and we plan to expand the use of PPD 3D to help our clients develop the critical therapies needed in today’s fast-changing health care environment.”

To view the list, click here