MRIGlobal and the University of Maryland School of Medicine will collaborate in the development of clinical specimen repositories, laboratory services for clinical trials and research opportunities. The work will be performed under the collaboration agreement by MRIGlobal Dx, a division of MRIGlobal.

The non-exclusive memo of understanding has an initial, two-year term, with annual renewals ongoing. The University of Maryland School of Medicine and MRIGlobal Dx plan to explore opportunities for procurement of clinical samples and patient specimen collection and banking.

Researchers in molecular and translational medicine use specimen repositories to develop new ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases. Specimens may include fluids, tissues, tumors, cells and genetic material.

University of Maryland School of Medicine dean E. Albert Reece, who is vice president for medical affairs at the University of Maryland and the John Z. and Akiko Bowers Distinguished Professor at the School of Medicine, said, "As we continue to develop our resources as a top biomedical research institution, this agreement provides a critical service for our laboratories and clinical trials.”