Quintiles has entered into in an industry-leading clinical pharmacology alliance with AstraZeneca to deliver AstraZeneca’s clinical pharmacology studies across multiple therapy areas and around the globe.

As a result of the alliance, Quintiles will assume the operational responsibilities for the majority of AstraZeneca’s clinical pharmacology delivery. AstraZeneca and Quintiles will work together, focusing their efforts on leveraging leading-edge science and establishing operational efficiency and consistency to support AstraZeneca’s goal to shorten delivery timelines and bring innovative medicines more quickly to patients.

The alliance is extensive and involves the engagement of a sole provider for clinical pharmacology delivery, and a simple, standardized pricing model. Also, as well as clinical conduct and medical oversight of studies, the agreement covers a range of activities across the end-to-end study process.

Ron Wooten, executive vice president, Quintiles Corporate Development, said, “We are delighted to be AstraZeneca’s dedicated clinical pharmacology alliance strategic partner. This is an industry-leading alliance and demonstrates how, at Quintiles, we’re helping the industry seize opportunities as the industry transforms in response to the changing environment. As with any true alliance, success depends not only on scientific, medical and operational excellence, but also on creating a climate of trust, transparency, teamwork and joint accountability. Our experience in managing such partnerships will be key as we work together on this important project.”

Commenting on the alliance, Anders Ekblom, executive vice president for Global Drug Development, AstraZeneca, said, “This model gives us access to the right scientific and medical expertise plus the quality, flexibility and capacity we need to work efficiently and cost-effectively to deliver these studies. Finding more efficient ways to do our work, whilst maintaining the highest quality, is one of AstraZeneca’s key priorities. Our alliance with Quintiles will contribute to AstraZeneca’s continued endeavors to develop better and better medicines faster.”

Quintiles has an industry leading, network of clinical pharmacology facilities across Europe and the United States, and plans to open a unit in Asia in 2010. These facilities are connected via integrated data platforms using advanced electronic data capture and reporting to facilitate early go-no go decisions.

Quintiles is the only fully integrated biopharmaceutical services company offering clinical, commercial, consulting and capital solutions worldwide.