TETERBORO, N.J., September 6, 2000
Dr. Leon will be responsible for coordinating and executing Quest Diagnostics' overall strategy in the field of molecular diagnostics and diagnostic applications of genomics. He will work with leading private and academic research centers as well as the company's center for research and development and esoteric testing, Nichols Institute, to identify and develop opportunities to introduce new diagnostic tests, bioinformatics products and personalized medicine services. Dr. Leon's efforts will focus on commercializing diagnostic applications of discoveries in two disciplines: functional genomics (the analysis of genes and their functions); and proteomics (the discovery of new proteins made possible by the Human Genome Project).
"Today, Quest Diagnostics stands as the clear leader in genetic testing," said Dr. Mohapatra. "The tremendous excitement and investment associated with the Human Genome Project will generate new opportunities and help accelerate growth for Quest Diagnostics. Accordingly, our Applied Genomics business is an important initiative for the future of the diagnostics business."
Dr. Leon joins Quest Diagnostics from the DiaSorin Medical Systems division of American Standard Companies, where he served as Chief Scientific Officer. Earlier, he was Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Development for NEN Life Sciences, a Boston-based functional genomics tools company. Previously, Dr. Leon served in several positions at Quest Diagnostics from 1990 to 1997, as Manager of the Molecular Biology Laboratory, and later as Corporate Director, Biotechnology Research and Development at Nichols Institute.
Dr. Leon holds a doctorate in cellular and molecular biology from New York University. He received postdoctoral training in tumor biology at Pasteur Institute in Paris, the German Cancer Center in Heidelberg, and Columbia University in New York City.
Quest Diagnostics is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services with annualized revenues of more than $3 billion. The testing performed on human specimens helps doctors diagnose, treat and monitor disease; enables employers to detect workplace drug abuse; and supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in clinical trials of new therapeutics worldwide. Quest Informatics analyzes laboratory and other medical data to help health care providers improve the care of patients. Additional company information can be found on the Internet at: www.questdiagnostics.com.