GlaxoSmithKline Outsources Data Management To TCS

Indian outsourcer Tata Consultancy Services plans to establish a drug development center in Mumbai to provide data management services to global pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, TCS has disclosed.

TCS, in announcing the deal Wednesday, called the agreement a multiyear, multimillion dollar contract.

Under the plan, TCS's Mumbai center will house teams of pharmacologists and life sciences researchers that will focus on helping to support GSK's drug development efforts. Among other things, TCS will assist GSK in managing the massive amounts of clinical data produced during sensitive drug trials.

TCS already employs more than 3,000 workers in its pharmaceutical and health care practice. GSK has had a presence in India since 1924.

Last year, TCS announced a similar agreement with Eli Lilly.

Drug manufacturers have come under recent pressure to apply more advanced controls to the drug development and distribution process -- a development that could pave the way for more such deals in the future.