A new Belfast-based clinical trials marketing company that wants to generate £125,000 sterling (€203,815) of new trials work this year, has won its first contract from the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.
The trial will be conducted in the area of orthopedics at Musgrave Park Hospital in the city.
Medevol, which has been established by Investment Belfast, a partnership between Belfast City Council and senior business leaders, aims to grow to a £2-million-a-year business over the next three years.
Mr Jim Curran, technology director with Investment Belfast, said it had identified good opportunities for the city to attract investment from the pharmaceutical industry in clinical trials.
He said this was supported by Northern Ireland's hospitals' international reputation for excellence in a wide range of clinical areas including oncology, vascular diseases, diabetes, vision disorders and orthopedics.
Dr Mark Gormley, chair of Medevol's clinical advisory team said: "There are a considerable number of patients and their doctors in hospitals and in general practice who could help with the development of new drugs.
"Medevol is well placed to fulfill the role of introducing these commissions to the industry."
The company hopes to build on the investment by the Northern Ireland Research and Development office, which has already established a Clinical Trials Centre to provide a supportive infrastructure for trials activity in the North.
