India-based CRO GVK Biosciences has been named as a preferred provider by a consortium, Product Development Partners (PDP), which is focused on drugs for neglected diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, GVK will provide clinical support, logistics, monitoring and project management for trials PDP is conducting in India and Bangladesh.  PDP is a group of non-profit entities partially funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

PDP’s target illnesses include tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, pneumonia and diarrhea which, despite affecting millions of people, are often overlooked by drug companies in favor of conditions that can generate more income. 

Shoibal Mukherjee, senior vice president of clinical development at GVK, said, “GVK Biosciences has been working in the area of neglected diseases for several years, and it is this experience that puts the company in a position to participate in the Global Health Product Development Partners Consortium.”