Pearl IRB, LLC, also known as Pearl Pathways, a life sciences product development and regulatory consultant company, plans today to expand its operations center in Indianapolis, Indiana, creating up to 38 jobs by 2016.

“Founded by Hoosier researchers and growing impressively, Pearl Pathways is a prime example of a dynamic life sciences company that will help advance our economy, while raising the average income for hard-working Hoosiers,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Indiana continues to be recognized around the globe as a place where starting and growing a life sciences business just makes sense.”

The homegrown-Hoosier company, which provides clinical, regulatory and quality compliance services for the life sciences industry, will invest $355,000 to lease and equip a 2,000 square-foot facility located at 29 E. McCarthy St. in downtown Indianapolis. Pearl Pathways, which plans to move into the new facility in March, is currently hiring additional regulatory affairs, quality compliance and clinical trial specialists.

“We are proud to be one of the expanding companies that positions Indiana near the top in the life sciences industry,” said Diana Caldwell, president and chief executive officer of Pearl Pathways. “Our growth is fueled by our passion to help our clients expedite the development of life saving diagnostics and therapeutics. While we serve clients coast to coast and globally, the strong client base we have developed in Indiana and favorable business environment make this an ideal place to expand.”

As an incentive, The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Pearl IRB, LLC up to $750,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $75,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Indianapolis supports this project at the request of Develop Indy.