Pharmaceutical Research Company Plans to Create 320 Jobs in St. Charles

Pharma Medica, a contract pharmaceutical research company based in Toronto, plans to spend $30.8 million to rehab a building in St. Charles and create about 320 new jobs.

The company completes clinical trials of drugs on volunteers, special populations of people and on patients, according to its website, and is hoping to expand its drug trial operations.

Pharma Medica will receive $4.2 million from the state of Missouri through the Missouri Quality Jobs program if it meets certain job and investment criterion.

Mohammed Bouhajib, vice president of laboratory operations for Pharma Medica, cited proximity to major pharmaceutical companies in the decision to move to the state, according to a press release.

The company will rehab the former PRACS Institute building, located at 400 Fountain Lakes Blvd. PRACS Institute was a research organization that conducted generic drug trials and closed when the company filed bankruptcy in March.