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COVANCE LAUNCHES THE WORLD'S FIRST INTERACTIVE ECG ANALYSIS AND ANNOTATION SYSTEM FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
Digitography™ sets a new standard for providing digital ECG measurements in clinical trials |
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Princeton, New Jersey, November 7, 2002 — Covance Inc.'s (NYSE: CVD) Central Diagnostic facility in Reno, Nevada today announced the launch of Digitography™. Digitography is the industry's first system for use in clinical trials which allows on-screen digital electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform measurement. This new service enables highly reproducible interval measurement with unmatched resolution by using a fully digital tool set. With Digitography, Covance is now even more uniquely positioned to enable clients to confidently comply with the proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance for Electronic Interchange Standard for Digital ECG and Similar Data. Patents are pending for this leading-edge ECG technology.
A number of major pharmaceutical companies have already contracted Covance to use this tool on more than 45 studies indicating rapid industry acceptance of the technology. "Processing ECGs in a digital environment for nearly 30 years, Covance has raised the bar with Digitography by providing higher quality data for more powerful statistical conclusions," said Eileen Daniel, General Manager for Central Diagnostics at Covance. "From digital acquisition of the ECG waveform to the unmatched precision of Digitography, clients attain unparalleled accuracy in data for electronic NDA submissions and are more likely to reduce the time and cost of drug development."
Covance acquires original ECG signals digitally through the use of the proprietary systems. Once ECG signals are received, Central Diagnostics verifies the quality of the signal in real-time. In addition to managing ECGs in a totally integrated digital environment, Covance employs cardiologists who analyze each ECG through an on-screen-reading station that uses Digitography for annotation and verification of interval measurements. This unique system makes improved precision and accuracy for ECG waveform measurement a reality.
"The new Covance on-screen methodology for processing ECGs preserves the look and feel of a paper ECG tracing, while providing electronic magnification," said Dr. Daniel Goodman, Director of Medical Affairs and Scientific Innovation for Central Diagnostics at Covance. "The ability to perform complex pattern recognition is preserved. The major difference in Digitography stems from its capability of achieving electronic magnification to 1 millisecond resolution, which does not distort the waveform."
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies interested in finding out more about the benefits of capturing ECGs digitally through an ISO 9001-certified central diagnostic location may contact a digital ECG specialist at Covance Central Diagnostics by calling 1-888-COVANCE (888-268-2623).
Covance, with headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive drug development services companies with 2001 pro forma revenues of $800 million, global operations in 17 countries, and approximately 6,900 employees worldwide. Information on Covance's products and services, recent press releases, and SEC filings can be obtained through the website in the About Covance area.
Statements contained in this press release, which are not historical facts, such as statements about prospective earnings, savings, revenue, operations, revenue and earnings growth and other financial results are forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All such forward-looking statements including the statements contained herein regarding anticipated trends in the Company's business are based largely on management's expectations and are subject to and qualified by risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, Covance's ability to utilize Digitography on a large scale basis, the enactment of the FDA guidance for Electronic Interchange Standard for Digital ECG and Similar Data, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. All information in this release is as of November 7, 2002. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company's expectations. |
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