MDS Pharma Services announces recent appointments in business development, global clinical research

(March 22, 2001; Montreal, Canada) — MDS Pharma Services, one of the leading contract research organizations (CRO) in the world, is pleased to announce recent appointments in clinical research, an area in which the company has more than 20 years of experience, global reach, and unmatched expertise. Elizabeth Bonomo, Ph.D., has assumed the role of vice president, business development, clinical research, Americas and Phyllis Duster has been appointed vice president, client relations.

Bonomo brings a wide breadth of experience to her new role. Prior to joining MDS Pharma Services, she held various business development positions at PHT Clinical Networks, Covance Inc., and ICON Clinical Research, Inc. In these positions, she was responsible for developing and implementing strategic sales, marketing, and communications plans, as well as expanding and managing business relationships.

"Elizabeth will be able to apply her experience to the American market and develop our client base for clinical research studies," said Susan Thornton, president, global clinical research, MDS Pharma Services. "We place an extensive emphasis on client service. This commitment, along with advanced technology, therapeutic expertise, global reach and local experience, ensure reliable solutions for clients."

Bonomo received a B.S. in biochemistry from the University of Scranton, Scranton, Pa., where she graduated magna cum laude. She went on to conduct biomedical research in Switzerland as a Fulbright Scholar. Upon returning, she earned a Ph.D. in biological chemistry from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, Pa. and received NIH postdoctoral training from the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Bonomo has taught courses at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, the Medical College of Pennsylvania, Hahnemann University and the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine.

Bonomo is affiliated with the Drug Information Association, the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association and the Fulbright Association. She has also co-authored several articles for biochemistry publications.

Duster joined MDS Pharma Services in 1988 (then IBRD). During her 13 years with the company, she has held various roles in clinical operations and business development and acquired valuable skills in client relations. Duster’s prior experience includes several years with Medical Associates Clinic in Dubuque, Ia., where she also gained valuable experience as a clinical research coordinator and later as supervisor, clinical research department.

"In her new role, Phyllis will structure mutually beneficial business relationships with our clients and ensure that their needs are met," said Thornton. "By customizing our expertise and services to clients’ needs, we ensure seamless and efficient clinical research, and help speed the drug development process from discovery to market."

Duster received an RN from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, Ia. and a B.S. in health arts from the College of St. Francis, Joliet, Ill. She is involved with the Associates of Clinical Pharmacology, the Drug Information Association and the American Epilepsy Society.

MDS Pharma Services is a global leader in clinical research services, from feasibility through regulatory submission and post-marketing studies, working diligently to customize these services. With facilities spanning four continents, each regional office is staffed with experts who bring their unique insights into the local healthcare system. MDS Pharma Services is a clinical research partner who thinks strategically about projects, anticipates clients’ needs, and rapidly delivers accurate results.

MDS Pharma Services offers a full spectrum of resources to meet the drug discovery and development needs of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With facilities in more than 17 countries, the company applies advanced scientific and technological expertise to each stage of the drug discovery and development process: discovery, preclinical, early clinical research (phases I-IIa), bioanalytical, global clinical research (phases IIb-IV), and central lab.

MDS Pharma Services is part of MDS Inc. (TSE: MDS; NYSE: MDZ), an international health and life sciences company. In many of its products and services, it is among the largest and most respected companies in the world. At MDS, the focus is on fighting disease. It does this by providing laboratory testing, imaging products, research services to speed discovery and development of new drugs, therapy systems for planning and delivery of cancer treatments, analytical instruments to assist in the development of new drugs, and medical/surgical supplies. MDS employs more than 10,000 highly skilled people in its global operations on five continents. Detailed information about the company is available at the MDS Web site at www.mdsintl.com or by calling 1-888-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day.