Strengthens epidemiology and risk management services for both companies
WILMINGTON, N.C. (January 13, 2009)-PPD, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPDI) today announced it has expanded its post-approval drug safety expertise in
epidemiology and risk management through a strategic alliance with World Health Information Science Consultants, LLC (WHISCON), an internationally recognized epidemiology and drug-safety organization based in Wellesley, MA.
As part of the agreement, the two companies will jointly market their services to biomedical companies, insurers and government agencies worldwide. WHISCON will draw upon PPD's broad experience in large drug studies, both pre- and post-approval. In turn, PPD will leverage WHISCON's client relationships and global safety expertise in conducting epidemiology, risk management, pharmacovigilance, and observational and database studies.
"There are risks associated with every product, and companies need mechanisms for drug safety surveillance," said Alexander Walker, M.D., Dr.P.H., a widely published medical researcher who co-founded WHISCON. "We look forward to working with PPD to provide our clients with field research and registries to complement the database work that has been our hallmark."
Fred Eshelman, chief executive officer of PPD, said, "Epidemiology is playing a larger, more important role in understanding and evaluating risks related to drug safety. Our agreement with WHISCON will enhance our ability to help clients identify and manage the benefits and risks of their marketed products."
Lori Eberhardt, vice president, post-approval services for PPD, also added, "As the safety of marketed drugs becomes an increasing concern for
biopharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities, we are pleased to offer our clients these new capabilities through close collaboration with
WHISCON."
About PPD
PPD is a leading global contract research organization providing discovery, development and post-approval services as well as compound partnering
programs. Our clients and partners include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organizations. With offices in 33
countries and more than 10,500 professionals worldwide, PPD applies innovative technologies, therapeutic expertise and a commitment to quality to help its clients and partners maximize returns on their R&D investments and accelerate the delivery of safe and effective therapeutics to patients. For more information, visit our Web site at
About WHISCON
WHISCON provides research in population health. The company's principals and consultants have deep experience in epidemiologic studies and in
interpreting health data for action. Areas of focus are pharmaceuticals, occupational health and the methods of observational research. Quantitative
skills involve leading-edge development and application of analytic techniques for non-experimental population-level data. WHISCON also offers
courses and seminars. For more information, visit
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this news release, including expectations and assumptions about PPD's strategic alliance with WHISCON, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although PPD attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on
which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors which could cause results to differ materially include the following: continued success in sales growth; loss of large contracts; increased cancellation rates; economic conditions and outsourcing trends in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government industry segments; competition within the outsourcing industry; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with and dependence on collaborative relationships; risks associated with the development and commercialization of drugs, including earnings dilution and obtaining regulatory approval; risks associated with acquisitions and investments, such as impairments; rapid technological advances that make our products and services less competitive; risks that we may not continue our dividend policy; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for PPD, copies of which are available free of charge upon request from the PPD investor relations department.
