AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company, has selected Charles River Laboratories International, a global provider of research products and services, as its preferred strategic partner for outsourced regulated safety assessment and development DMPK (drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics).

“We are extremely pleased that AstraZeneca selected Charles River as its strategic in vivo biology partner,” said James C. Foster, chairman, president and CEO of Charles River. “Utilizing our capabilities will enable AstraZeneca to create a flexible research platform to deliver innovative health solutions. Our shared passion for scientific excellence is a strong foundation for this relationship.”

The three-year agreement extends into 2015. AstraZeneca began the process of transferring programs to Charles River earlier this year and the process is expected to be completed by early 2013. In 2013, the incremental sales under this agreement are expected to contribute approximately 1% to Charles River’s total net sales.

“Tapping into the high quality drug development services of a trusted strategic partner enables AstraZeneca to increase our resource flexibility while simplifying the way we work,” said Stefan Platz, vice president of global safety assessment, AstraZeneca. “We are pleased to partner with Charles River to utilize their scientific expertise, such as their customized in vivo biology program. Our organizations will work hand-in-hand to deliver toxicology, safety pharmacology and development DMPK studies in support of our efforts to deliver safe and effective new treatments to patients more efficiently.”