CTG, a specialist in validation and verification information technology and good automated manufacturing practices, has set up a consultancy to serve companies in the life sciences sector.

The new group, called CTG Life Science Solutions, will be headed by Michael McNees, who has worked at CTG in other areas since 1992.

"Life sciences is the newest vertical focus for CTG," said James Boldt, the company's chairman and chief executive. He added that the IT firm had created a life sciences practice because of "the significant market opportunity presented by life sciences companies' need to comply with both new and existing government regulations."

The group's services will include helping clients achieve compliance with the US Food and Drug Administration's regulations governing the industry, including 21 CFR Part 11, which mandates the use of electronic records and signatures by all companies that produce or distribute FDA-regulated products.

McNees said that his team can offer "extensive process manufacturing experience helping life sciences companies effectively apply information technology throughout the manufacturing supply chain."

CTG said that existing clients in the life sciences sector include Quintiles Transnational, Digene and Covance.