Calvert Labs and EyeCRO Announce Strategic Partnership in Ocular Research

SCOTT TOWNSHIP, PA, June 12, 2013 (Press-News.org) Calvert Labs and EyeCRO, two leading providers in early-stage ocular drug research and development, announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership to expedite preclinical drug development activities. "This partnership will facilitate a seamless transition from the discovery and non-GLP stage of drug development to the performance of GLP IND-enabling studies," said Charles B. Spainhour, V.M.D, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of Calvert Labs.

The expert team at EyeCRO has 55 plus years of combined experience utilizing ophthalmic animal models for drug development. EyeCRO specializes in ophthalmic studies of preclinical efficacy, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and topical/eyedrop formulation development. Efficacy models include laser induce choroidal neovascularization (Laser CNV), streptozotocin-induced diabetes, intraocular ischemia/reperfusion injury, and the SKS CEP-induced Dry AMD model. "We are proud to be aligned with the prestigious team at Calvert Labs. Together, we can provide superior preclinical services to support ophthalmic drug discovery and development programs from proof-of-concept to completion of all IND-enabling studies," said Rafal Farjo, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer of EyeCRO.

Calvert Labs is a proven preclinical development partner offering a wide range of lead identification, lead optimization and preclinical services. Their expertise spans across many therapeutic areas, including ophthalmology, where Calvert is highly regarded in the marketplace. In addition to Calvert's 30-year heritage in ocular development, they have enjoyed a 20 plus year partnership with Cornell University veterinary ophthalmologist, Thomas J. Kern, D.V.M., who helped develop intravitreal and subconjunctival techniques at Calvert. These ground-breaking techniques and Calvert's highly-qualified management team set the foundation for the commercial success of numerous ocular therapeutics, including Macugen, which became the first anti-VEGF inhibitor to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of wet AMD.

This is the second strategic partnership that Calvert Labs has announced since introducing the Calvert Preferred Partner Network ("CPPN") in March. The CPPN formalizes Calvert's integrated approach to early-stage drug research and development by assembling a collection of highly proficient, specialized service providers to partner with clients and help them achieve milestones more efficiently and effectively than previously possible. "The Calvert Preferred Partner Network creates a formal, collaborative support network to better serve the specialized needs of our clients, many of which rely on multiple partners to achieve program goals and objectives," said Russ C. McLauchlan, Chairman & CEO of Calvert Holdings Inc.

Contacts:

Anthony Yousefnejad
VP, Business Development
Calvert Holdings, Inc.
Office: +1 919 459 8653
anthony@calvertholdings.com


Rafal Farjo
Chief Operating Officer
EyeCRO
Office: +1 405 271 2552
rfarjo@eyecro.com