GSK, TCS plan drug development centre

The centre is being set up to meet growing demands of GSK, the two companies said in a statement, without revealing the actual deal size.

TCS will provide services in clinical research, including clinical data management and clinical submissions support. "Our collaboration will help to deliver new medicines to patients," GSK Senior Vice President Dr Amber Salzman said.

"The opportunity to work with GSK will further enhance our capabilities across therapeutic areas," TCS Life Sciences and Healthcare Global Head J Rajagopal said.

The Tata group firm is looking at life sciences space to leverage IT in knowledge process outsourcing business.

"TCS looks at areas to develop a KPO business that leverages IT to provide a transformational customer experience both from a performance and cost standpoint.

"The life sciences space provides an important opportunity to implement that strategy and the partnership with GSK will help drive competencies and skills in this fast-growing segment," V K Raman, head of TCS BPO, said.

While GSK India employs 2,425 people in the country, the life sciences and healthcare section of TCS has more than 3,200 professionals, the statement said.