Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the nation's leading provider of diagnostic laboratory testing, information and services, announced that it has signed a long-term agreement with GlaxoSmithKline plc . Under the agreement, Quest Diagnostics will be the exclusive provider of central laboratory testing services to support GlaxoSmithKline's global clinical trials testing requirements in North America and Europe and, on a selected basis, will provide support for other early stage R&D activity.
The new agreement covers support for studies conducted by all of GlaxoSmithKline on the effects of pharmacological compounds on humans, as well as other selected research and development needs through December 31, 2009. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed. GlaxoSmithKline plc was established in December, 2000, as a result of the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham. Previously, Quest Diagnostics had established a 10-year exclusive agreement through August 16, 2009 to support clinical trials in North America and Europe for SmithKline Beecham plc.
"This important relationship enables us to leverage all of Quest Diagnostics' laboratory testing and R&D capabilities to support and enhance the full breadth of GlaxoSmithKline's drug discovery and development efforts," said Harris Koffer, Pharm.D., Vice President, Pharmaceutical Services, for Quest Diagnostics.
GlaxoSmithKline holds approximately 23% of Quest Diagnostics' common stock and is represented on its board of directors.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, providing insights that enable physicians, hospitals, managed care organizations and other healthcare professionals to make decisions to improve health. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic laboratory services through its national network of laboratories and patient service centers. Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based medical testing, and empowers healthcare organizations and clinicians with state-of-the-art connectivity solutions that improve practice management. Additional company information can be found on the Internet at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/.
The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are listed in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 2001 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
CONTACT: Media - Gary Samuels, +1-201-393-5700, or Investor - Laure
Park, +1-201-393-5030, both for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/