Wyeth has been conducting research in South Africa for a number of years, mostly through Contract Research Organisation’s, with some work being done by the local Global Medical Affairs department (GMA). These activities were co-ordinated through the CR&D and Vaccine departments in the UK in conjunction with the South African GMA department.
In 2005, a CR&D unit was set up in South Africa that reported directly to the European Research Organisation (ERO), whose headquarters are in Paris. Thus was born an additional European Regional CR&D office. The volume of research done in South Africa warranted a local presence, as well as permanent staff to grow the region.
Initial staffing was three permanent people at the beginning of 2005. This has grown to a staff complement of 13 at the end of 2007, with 24 studies being conducted across all therapeutic areas.
The department will continue to grow in 2008 with both additional staff being added, as well as additional studies being conducted in South Africa.