Covance Becomes First CRO to Globally Deliver Innovative Technique for TK/PK Sampling

Covance Inc. today announced the addition of a new global integrated service supporting the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) sampling technique with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology and bioanalytical analysis. Conforming to the three R's guiding principles of research-reduction, replacement, and refinement-DBS sampling provides higher quality toxicokinetic data while reducing test article, shipping, and storage requirements.
 
"As the first CRO to globally support the DBS sample technique, this integrated service provides more efficient toxicology and bioanalytical testing to potentially improve data quality," said Steven Michael, vice president and chief scientific officer, global bioanalytical services, Covance.  "This service reduces sample volumes, provides a more refined sample collection process, and improved data quality to increase study speed and quality.  Covance spent more than a year analyzing thousands of DBS samples from multiple studies to perfect the bioanalytical technique."

The DBS sampling technique increases sample handling safety with chemically treated cards that inactivate HIV and Hepatitis B.  The technique also enhances compound stability and increases flexibility in study design while providing convenient collection, shipping, and storage of blood samples for toxicokinetic and pharmacokinetic data.  DBS also offers clinical advantages as a preferred method of blood collection over venous cannula sampling.

"This new service provides our clients with sound ethical and cost benefits by significantly reducing sample volumes and improving data quality," said Steve Barkyoumb, vice president, North America toxicology, Covance.

About Covance
Covance, with headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive drug development services companies with annual revenues greater than $1.7 billion, global operations in more than 25 countries, and more than 10,000 employees worldwide. Information on Covance's products and services, recent press releases, and SEC filings can be obtained via www.covance.com.