UK drug maker AstraZeneca Plc opened its first clinical pharmacology center in China yesterday by forming a strategic partnership with a leading domestic hospital.

The move was meant to help speed the launch of new drugs in the world's most populous market, company officials said.

The initial research focus at the Clinical Pharmacology Unit, located at Peking University No. 3 Hospital, will be on infections, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, the company said in a statement.

The unit will conduct phase-one clinical research, including clinical trials and safety evaluations, which are indispensable procedures for the launch of new drugs in China.

AstraZeneca will provide personnel training, system audits and consulting services and will also invest in upgrading the facilities.

"We fully support China's national focus on innovation by substantially increasing our R&D investment, both in financial terms and in terms of scientific collaboration," David Brennan, the drug firm's chief executive officer, said in the statement.