Quintiles re-focuses Asia-Pacific commercial services after Invida sale
Together with co-founders Zuellig and Temasek Holdings, the US-based CRO (contract research organisation) has sold Invida – which has capabilities ranging from sales to contract manufacturing – to Italian pharma company Menarini.
The decision appears to limit Quintiles’ undertakings specifically geared towards commercial capabilities in China and India, as well as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
However, with its Japanese commercial operations remaining unchanged, the firm insists its Asia-Pacific efforts will still focus concentrate on commercialisation.
It will also use its offices in 15 other countries around the region to build and integrate commercial capabilities with its other functions.
Charlotte Taylor, corporate communications, Europe, at Quintiles told, Outsourcing-Pharma: “In reality, Invida could have been our delivery models in Asia-Pacific countries. But from a strategic point of view, customers are looking for different things than they used to.
“Before the commercial and clinical teams were very separate, but as health care is changing and more stake holders are involved in decision making our customers are looking for solutions that span both clinical and commercial with a consulting over lay.
“So what we will do is build standalone Quintiles solutions for the needs of our customers in the world. Because we have a presence there, we can come in and rapidly add to the companies.
“For example we have an infrastructure in the EU and we can help customers in Japan if they want to launch products in the rest of the world. Similarly if the rest of the world wants to work within Asia-Pacific we will build commercial solutions within the country.”
Further expansions
When asked if the move would lead to further in-house expansions for Quintiles in the Asia-Pacific area, Taylor added: “If required then I’m sure yes we would.”
She went on to talk about the business’ further offerings, including consulting and strategic development at its regional hub in Singapore, before adding: “It’s all about building the right package for your client now using all of your teams rather than having separate sales team, and separate development and commercialisation, as in the past.”
Rich Pilnik, president of global commercial solutions for Quintiles, said: “As a result of this opportunity, we will pursue strategic expansion of our commercial solutions in Asia that are integrated with Quintiles’ global systems, capabilities and expertise, and optimise the breadth and depth of our offerings across our commercial, clinical, capital and consulting groups.”
