Charles River Laboratories ($CRL) has convinced the CEO of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to join its board of directors, leading a new committee to ensure the CRO stays on the cutting edge of science.
Craig Thompson's mission at Charles River is twofold: to help decide which trends in science and technology the company should pursue, and to deepen the CRO's relationships with academia, the company said. Charles River has put him at the head of its Science and Technology Committee, tasked with advising management on strategic direction and investment in R&D.
Thompson's years of experience across industry, academia and the intersection therein will bring valuable expertise to the board, Charles River CEO James Foster said, and Thompson's focus on translational medicine fits right in with the CRO's preclinical efforts.
"His understanding of the strategic use of outsourcing--whether by global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies or academic and government institutions--will enable us to strengthen our position as the partner of choice for our clients' early-stage drug development programs," Foster said in a statement.
Meanwhile, despite a downturn in early-stage R&D spending, Charles River has been posting impressive results, last quarter growing revenue 4.8% to $292.1 million. The company is expecting up to 3.5% sales growth for the full year, reflecting an increase in demand for its core lab services.
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