ICON has announced the launch of a new Medical Device and Diagnostics Research group,  focused on the unique requirements of the medical device and diagnostics industry.

The new group combines the medical and regulatory device and diagnostic expertise of Aptiv Solutions, which ICON acquired in 2014, with ICON's global clinical development and commercialisations solutions. Device and diagnostic manufacturers can now benefit from an expanded suite of services that support the full product lifecycle, including global clinical trial execution, health economics and pricing and market access solutions.

"The device and diagnostic development model can differ significantly from that of pharmaceutical companies, both in complexity and time to market," said Ms Elizabeth Thiele, president, ICON commercialisation and Outcomes. She added, "Operating under specific medical device SOPs and ISO certification, our new Medical Device & Diagnostics Research team has the expertise and flexibility to help manufacturers take time and cost from their development programmes and maximise the value of their products."

ICON's Medical Device and Diagnostics Research group will be led by Mr Vicki Anastasi, vice-president, Medical Device and Diagnostic Research who has over 20 years of experience in the field.