Preclinical research powerhouse Charles River Laboratories is expanding its global reach with a new 60,000-square-foot facility in Shanghai, China.

Slated to open in early 2009, the new facility will support a growing demand from multinational pharmaceutical clients for outsourced drug development services, according to a Charles River release.

“As our clients make their initial forays into China, we are creating a center of excellence that embodies global best practices alongside them,” said James Foster, president, chairman and CEO of Charles River. “Our clients have come to appreciate and rely on the expertise Charles River brings to their drug development efforts, and the convenience of our facilities in close proximity. The same high standards of research, safety, humane care and good laboratory practices that globally distinguish Charles River are replicated in our Shanghai facility. Expanding into this arena is a marathon—not a sprint—and this facility marks the first step in our journey.”

In March 2007, Charles River announced a joint venture with Shanghai BioExplorer, a Shanghai-based provider of preclinical services, to form Charles River Preclinical Services Greater China.