LONDON, May 19 /PRNewswire/ --

Chiltern, a leading global research organization, announced the appointment of Mr. Oscar Podesta to the role of General Manager, Latin America.

The Latin American operation is expected to grow rapidly under the guidance of Mr. Podesta and will be primarily focused on supporting our Global Clinical Development brand. Mr. Podesta joins Chiltern with over 9 years experience in clinical research, where he has held executive positions in the CRO sector. Mr. Podesta will be responsible for the strategic development of Chiltern in the Latin American region.

"I am very pleased to join Chiltern at this exciting juncture for the company," commented Oscar Podesta, General Manager, Latin America. "Argentina and Brazil have long been considered the premier countries for clinical research in Latin America and the strong collaboration between sponsors, CROs, and academic organizations has created a large pool of highly qualified Investigators. Furthermore, regulatory authorities in Argentina (ANMAT) and Brazil (ANVISA) have taken an active role during the last 10 years in establishing a strong legal framework for the ethical conduct of clinical trials in the region, insuring that the highest possible clinical data is attained in accordance with both Good Clinical and Manufacturing practices."

"We are delighted that Oscar has joined Chiltern," said John Vann, Executive Vice President, Americas. "His strong background and experience in the region, in particular Argentina and Brazil, will be an asset for Chiltern as our strategic expansion in the region is expected to continue. Additionally, in recent months, there has been an increasing amount of interest from our sponsors to conduct trials in this part of the world, thus the time was right for Chiltern to establish operations in the region. Chiltern is now in a position to support all of its sponsors' needs throughout Latin America."

About Chiltern:

Established in 1982, Chiltern is a leading global Contract Research Organization with extensive experience conducting and staffing international Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials across a broad therapeutic range for a wide variety of clients. Chiltern employs more than 1,200 people with 23 offices across the Americas, Europe, Latin America and in India. Chiltern provides services including Early Phase, Global Clinical Development, Late Phase, Biometrics, Medical and Regulatory Affairs and Resourcing Solutions.

For More Information Contact: Catherine Lemercier Chiltern International, Inc. 2111 Palomar Airport Road Suite 200 Carlsbad CA 92011 USA Tel: +1-760-707-5025 Fax: +1-760-707-5022 Email: Catherine.Lemercier@chiltern.com Richard Baptista Chiltern International Ltd. 171 Bath Road Slough Berkshire SL1 4AA UNITED KINGDOM Tel: +44 (0) 1753-512-000 Fax: +44 (0) 1753-511-116 Email: Richard.Baptista@chiltern.com Chiltern: Understanding

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

Catherine Lemercier of Chiltern International, Inc., +1-760-707-5025, fax, +1-760-707-5022, Catherine.Lemercier@chiltern.com, or Richard Baptista of Chiltern International Ltd., +44-0-1753-512 000, fax, +44-0-1753-511-116, Richard.Baptista@chiltern.com