Press Release Details

Quest Diagnostics Clinical Trials and AstraZeneca LP Announce Worldwide Central Laboratory Services Agreement

07/06/2000

TETERBORO, N.J. and WILMINGTON, Del., July 6, 2000 —

"This important relationship enables us to offer our comprehensive service capabilities and a single worldwide database, in support of AstraZeneca’s global research efforts," said Harris Koffer, Pharm.D., Vice President, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Trials. "To support this unique relationship, a joint executive management team is being formed to oversee and maintain continuous business improvement programs between both organizations."

"AstraZeneca’s commitment to industry leadership and excellence is highlighted by this strategic relationship," said Ronald L. Krall, M.D., Senior Vice President, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca. "We look forward to a successful relationship with Quest Diagnostics Clinical Trials."

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 and enables employers to detect workplace drug abuse. Quest Diagnostics Clinical Trials 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.

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of $15 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. In the United States, AstraZeneca is a $7.4 billion healthcare business with approximately 9,500 employees. Additional company information can be found on the Internet at www.astrazeneca-us.com.

The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are listed in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 1999 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to AstraZeneca's business. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forecasts involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of those risks and uncertainties, please see the company's Annual Report/Form 20-F for 1999.