eResearchTechnology Announces $12.4 Million In Recent Study Awards For Cardiac Safety Monitoring Services And EDC/Clinical Data Technology

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- eResearchTechnology, Inc. (eRT), , a leading provider of centralized electrocardiographic (ECG) collection and interpretation services, announced today that it has been awarded approximately $12.4 million in cardiac safety monitoring services and EDC/clinical data technology agreements since the last update on December 6, 2005. The recent awards drive total bookings for the fourth quarter to $31.7 million thus far.

Highlights of the awards include: -- Five Thorough QT studies totaling approximately $6.2 million from two Top 10 global pharmaceutical companies, a leading biotechnology organization, the U.S. operation of a major Japanese pharmaceutical company, and an emerging U.S. drug developer. This brings the number of Thorough QT studies for the quarter thus far to eight totaling approximately $10.1 million. -- Two later phase program awards valued at more than $3.3 million from a Top 10 global pharmaceutical company and an emerging drug developer. The number of program awards totals five valued at approximately $11.9 million thus far for the quarter. -- Continued strength in new routine studies in existing customers as well as new studies in first time customers.

eRT will provide comprehensive support, including provision of digital 12- lead ECG equipment designed to facilitate collection of cardiac safety data that is subsequently provided to eRT for analysis. eRT will perform digital collection, measurement, interpretation, review, and distribution of cardiac safety data through its EXPeRT(R) workflow enabled data handling technology, the first solution in production that was designed explicitly to meet emerging international regulatory guidance and technical standards.

"These awards place eRT on track to achieve record quarterly bookings for the second consecutive quarter, signaling continued momentum underpinned by consistently excellent execution in the Thorough QT and later phase program segments," said Scott Grisanti, senior vice president of business development and chief marketing officer at eRT. "Further, these announcements illustrate strong demand across all segments of the drug and biologics development communities, from Big Pharma, to leading biotechnology organizations, to Japanese industry leaders, and to emerging growth drug developers. eRT's comprehensive capabilities are being leveraged to address the needs these diverse constituencies have for comprehensive cardiac safety services, spanning demanding Thorough QT studies and complex later phase programs, along with a variety of routine trials. The ability to address a broad market base and provide solutions for the full range of cardiac safety requirements creates a strong foundation for driving growth in 2006."

Based in Philadelphia, PA, eResearchTechnology, Inc. (http://www.eRT.com) is a provider of technology and services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries on a global basis. The company is a market leader in providing centralized core-diagnostic electrocardiographic (ECG) technology and services to evaluate cardiac safety in clinical development. The company is also a leader in providing technology and services to streamline the clinical trials process by enabling its customers to automate the collection, analysis, and distribution of clinical data in all phases of clinical development.

Statements included in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties such as competitive factors, technological development, market demand, and the company's ability to obtain new contracts and accurately estimate net revenues due to variability in size, scope and duration of projects, and internal issues in the sponsoring client. The sponsors may cancel these agreements at their sole discretion. As a result, actual results may differ materially from any financial outlooks stated herein. Further information on potential factors that could affect the company's financial results can be found in the company's Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT: Joan Sterlacci of eResearchTechnology, Inc., +1-908-203-6473; orMatt Hayden of Hayden Communications for eRT, +1-858-704-5065

Web site: http://www.ert.com/