ICON plc, NASDAQ: ICLR; ISIN:IE0005711209), a global provider of outsourced development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, announced that it has expanded its European Central Laboratory, located in South County Business Park, Dublin. The newly-designed 41,000 sq ft (3,800m²) facility, which is three times the size of the previous laboratory, provides centralised testing and site support services to clinical investigators in over 70 countries throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The new laboratory incorporates enhanced automation which will enable reductions in turn-around time for sample testing and reporting, and has quadrupled the laboratory’s sample management and storage capacity. In addition, the larger facility has enabled the introduction of new platforms to enhance ICON’s test menu in specialised areas including microbiology, molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry, endocrinology and RIA. New dedicated laboratories have also been created to accommodate more specialised testing services in the areas of anatomic pathology, molecular diagnostics and multiplex assays, which will be operational in early 2010. 

“Efficient sample management and reporting, and providing an extensive test menu are key fundamentals of any laboratory,” commented Peter Gray, CEO at ICON plc. “The extra capacity in our Dublin laboratory enables ICON to extend our capabilities to support clients’ demands for more sophisticated testing. ICON Central Laboratories Dublin will continue to act as an important central hub for global trials and we look forward to delivering effective laboratory services to an even greater number of sponsors and investigators around the world.”

www.iconplc.com