India-based Bilcare Limited, a pharmaceutical packaging and clinical technology firm, together with the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), have created the Bilcare Research Academy. The company will open 25 educational centers in India and Asia by 2010, investing $4.8 million. The first centers to open in India and Singapore, followed later by Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and China.

Bilcare Research Academy will offer a one-year postgraduate diploma, accredited by ACRP, in clinical trials management to graduates of pharmacy, life sciences and medicine. The academy will also provide continuing medical education course for current industry professionals. Students also receive a year of free membership to ACRP.

ACRP and Bilcare have a common interest to enhance the capability, competency and expertise of the professionals engaged in developing, monitoring, conducting and supervising clinical trials in India and other Asian countries by way of specialized training programs," said Thomas Adams, chief executive officer of ACRP.