WuXi PharmaTech announced on October 9 that its future GLP center in Suzhou started construction on September 29, 2007.

WuXi PharmaTech will build a 267,000 square foot state-of-the-art preclinical drug safety evaluation center situated in Wuzhong district, Suzhou, 60 kilometers from Shanghai.

The center will provide customers with a broad range of highly value-added toxicology services. The company has already begun offering toxicology services at a smaller interim facility in Suzhou. The services to be provided at the new center will be more comprehensive and with much greater capacity. As an essential and integral part of the drug R&D process, these new services will complement the current service offerings provided by the company. The center is expected to become the largest modern drug safety evaluation center in China after its completion in 2009.

"We are very excited to kick off the construction of this facility. The new facility, designed by a renowned US architecture firm and to be managed by board certified toxicologist and other experienced scientists, will enable us to further broaden and expand our service capabilities and capacities to meet our customers' demands," commented Dr. Ge Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WuXi PharmaTech. "Wuzhong is an ideal location because of its proximity to Shanghai, animal resources and well-educated laboratory graduates. We greatly appreciate the support of the government of Suzhou," continued Dr. Li.