LabConnect And CLS Join Forces

Bioanalytical, Genotyping and Biostorage Services Integrated

Seattle - LabConnect announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Consolidated Laboratory Services (CLS) to jointly provide esoteric laboratory testing services for the biopharmaceutical industry. The exclusive agreement adds significant capabilities for LabConnect which already provides a wide array of central laboratory testing capabilities through its Johnson City, Tenn. location.

CLS -- a specialty provider analytic and diagnostic research services in support of pre-clinical and clinical studies since 1995 -- is well known as a pioneer in vaccine and HIV/AIDS testing having a complete menu of assays for all FDA-approved HIV antiretroviral drugs. As part of the transaction CLS will make an equity investment in LabConnect, integrate its laboratory information system and conduct its pre-clinical and clinical trial work exclusively under the LabConnect-CLS joint agreement. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"We are finding strong demand among our base of emerging and mid-size biopharmaceutical companies to support their molecular diagnostic and analytical chemistry work," noted LabConnect CEO Eric Hayashi. "After collaborating on several projects, having CLS formally join the LabConnect network was the logical progression of an excellent relationship. We share a common vision of providing our clients with an innovative alternative to traditional central laboratories."

Anthony Scarsella, MD, Medical Director of CLS and an experienced clinical investigator with Pacific Oaks Medical Group noted, "This Agreement allows each of us to stick to our knitting. The LabConnect team focuses on project management, kit logistics, reporting and data management. This allows the CLS team to focus on esoteric test method development and validation, including high complexity molecular and analytical chemistry, and specimen cryostorage: the `science' side of the central laboratory business."

Through the joint agreement, clinical trial sponsors now have access to a full array of esoteric and "safety" laboratory testing services and long-term storage of biomaterial samples.

SOURCE: LabConnect