Global pharmaceutical packaging solutions specialist Bilcare Singapore Pte Ltd has launched the Singapore chapter of the US-based Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

ACRP is the top international body in clinical research and the primary resource for clinical research professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medicine device industries, as well as in hospitals, clinics and academic medical centres. The opening is significant as it will allow clinical research professionals here and around the region access to ACRP's global library of clinical research resources.

The chapter also marks the first step towards setting up the Bilcare Research Academy, which will offer the first-ever ACRP-accredited professional educational course to graduates in the field of pharmacy, life sciences and medicine in Singapore and the region.

The tie-up between the Academy and ACRP comes in response to the global rise in clinical research. Industry sources indicate that by 2010 the industry would require up to 50,000 trained personnel. Bilcare aims to bridge this gap and produce around 5,000 world-class clinical research professionals through its establishments around the world.