Synarc, the world's largest provider of centralized imaging services to the pharmaceutical industry, announced today that they have received patent notification for a novel image calibration device for arthritis research. United States Patent # 6,992,280 has been issued for a device used to assess stability of MRI and CT systems when measuring cartilage volume and thickness in potentially arthritic patients.

Through use of this proprietary device, Synarc can provide highly-accurate cartilage measurements to its pharmaceutical company clients from a variety of imaging systems. Without proper calibration, errors can occur which reduce the sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of the cartilage measurements. Maintaining cartilage volume and thickness is essential to joint health and preventing the pain and disability of arthritis.

"With this calibration technique, pharmaceutical companies can both reduce development times and increase confidence in their research results," stated Gary Velasquez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Synarc. "This innovation illustrates our continuing commitment to improving the accuracy and precision of imaging measurements in clinical trials."

Synarc is now using their patented calibration system in clinical studies of developing arthritis treatments. "Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability in our aging society and a longstanding focus of our research at Synarc," said Dr. Charles Peterfy, Chief Medical Officer of Synarc. "This new device will help scientists and pharmaceutical companies in their search for an effective therapy for this debilitating disease."

About Synarc

Synarc is the world's largest dedicated provider of centralized imaging and molecular marker services for clinical trials. Synarc's advanced capabilities enable pharmaceutical industry clients to accelerate clinical trials and decrease the time, uncertainty and cost of drug development. The company has seven offices located around the world serving both established and emerging pharmaceutical companies in a wide variety of therapeutic areas.

For Information Contact:

U.S.:

Ken Faulkner, Ph.D.

Vice President, Business Development & Marketing

+1-415-817-8900

Europe:

Jean-Claude Provost, M.D.

Vice President, Cardiology & Neurology

+33.1.49.66.24.04

Contacts:

MEDIA: INVESTORS:

Joy Valderrama David Buhler