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Covance Expands Central Nervous System Drug Development...
Covance Expands Central Nervous System Drug Development Team; First Contract
Research Organization to Form CNS Scientific Advisory Panel
PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Covance Inc. (NYSE: CVD) announced
the creation of a research unit and scientific advisory panel dedicated
exclusively to providing biopharmaceutical companies with advanced drug
development services for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
"Biopharmaceutical companies are more focused than ever on the development of
new treatments for CNS disorders," says Chris Kuebler, Chairman and CEO of
Covance. "The expansion of our CNS capabilities provides a critical advantage
to our clients as they compete in this fast-growing segment of the
biopharmaceutical industry."
In 1997, an estimated $8 billion was spent worldwide to develop treatments for
CNS disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, head
trauma, stroke, headache, and psychiatric disorders such as depression and
schizophrenia. Covance has significant experience in this area, and already
has participated in more than 175 CNS clinical programs involving more than
68,000 patients worldwide.
"Developing new treatments for CNS disorders requires the ability to identify
subtle changes in behavior and cognitive function, brain chemistry, and
structure," says Kim D. Lamon, M.D., Ph.D., Corporate Senior Vice President
and Group President, Covance Clinical and Periapproval Services. "From the
creation of innovative diagnostic tools to the identification of new efficacy
endpoints, our CNS research team has the depth of experience needed to help
our clients bring a broad spectrum of CNS treatments to market as quickly and
efficiently as possible."
The Covance CNS research unit will be based in Tampa, Florida, and managed by
CNS drug development specialists George Bobotas, Ph.D., Executive Director;
Albert Azzaro, Ph.D., Director, Scientific Operations; and Thomas Hochadel,
Pharm.D., Director, Clinical Operations. This executive team has conducted
numerous studies to develop new treatments for a variety of CNS disorders.
To further enhance its expertise in CNS drug development, Covance has formed a
scientific advisory panel of six recognized leaders in CNS disorders,
particularly dementia. The panel includes Richard Mohs, Ph.D., Department of
Psychiatry, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York; John Morris, M.D.,
Department of Neurology, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis; Ralph Richter,
M.D., Department of Neurology/Psychiatry, St. John's Hospital and the
University of Oklahoma Tulsa Medical College; Patricio Reyes, M.D., Department
of Neurology and Pathology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia; Lon
Schneider, M.D., Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of
Southern California, Los Angeles; and Pierre Tariot, M.D., Departments of
Psychiatry, Medicine, and Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center.
"Significant strides have been made in understanding and treating CNS
disorders over the last decade," said Ralph Richter, M.D. "Participating in
this advisory panel offers a unique opportunity to apply this expanding base
of knowledge in the clinic, and accelerate the development of innovative new
therapies for patients suffering from CNS disorders worldwide."
Covance Inc., with headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the
world's largest companies and most comprehensive biopharmaceutical development
services companies. In 1997, Covance had annual revenues of $591 million.
Currently, Covance has operations in more than 17 countries and employs more
than 6,000 employees worldwide. Working on behalf of biopharmaceutical
companies, Covance's purpose is to lead advancements in drug development
through science, service, and shaping solutions.
SOURCE Covance Inc.
CO: Covance Inc.
ST: New Jersey
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