PPD, Inc. (NASDAQ:PPDI) today announced Sandra Luikenhuis, Ph.D., executive director of PPD® Dermatology, will present at the 2009 Boston Biotech R&D Conference in Boston, Mass., where she will introduce PPD Dermatology and discuss how the team is developing novel, science-based dermatologic therapies using a unique portfolio of in vitro assay systems and highly specialized expertise.

Dr. Luikenhuis’s presentation is Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. ET at the Harvard Medical School. In her session, “Skin in the Game,” she will discuss PPD Dermatology’s approach to evaluating the safety and efficacy of novel compounds originally intended for systemic, nondermatological therapies to investigate their potential as topical treatments for dermatological conditions. The presentation will elaborate on the unique advantages of accessing PPD’s compound partnering resources to drive clinical development of a lead compound through Phase II.

“There are few novel dermatologic products currently being developed to treat skin diseases effectively,” said Dr. Luikenhuis. “This conference provides an excellent forum to exchange information on cutting-edge research and development programs with leading biopharmaceutical companies in the Boston area.”

The conference joins prominent leaders from top academic institutions who have been influential in establishing the strong Boston biotech community with executives from several of the area’s most aspiring biopharmaceutical companies, as well as leaders from the venture capital community and equity markets.

PPD formed PPD Dermatology earlier this year, following its acquisition of Magen BioSciences. The acquisition expanded PPD’s compound partnering program into dermatology. PPD gained a pipeline of compounds through Magen's exclusive license to develop and commercialize preclinical compounds discovered by Eli Lilly & Co. for dermatologic therapeutics initially in the indications of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and acne.

PPD is a leading global contract research organization providing discovery, development and post-approval services as well as compound partnering programs. Our clients and partners include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organizations. With offices in 38 countries and more than 10,000 professionals worldwide, PPD applies innovative technologies, therapeutic expertise and a commitment to quality to help its clients and partners maximize returns on their R&D investments and accelerate the delivery of safe and effective therapeutics to patients. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.ppdi.com.

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this news release, including expectations and assumptions about the value of the information presented during this presentation, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although PPD attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors which could cause results to differ materially include the following: continued success in sales growth; loss of large contracts; increased cancellation rates; economic conditions and outsourcing trends in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government industry segments; competition within the outsourcing industry; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with and dependence on collaborative relationships; risks associated with the development and commercialization of drugs, including earnings dilution and obtaining regulatory approval; risks associated with acquisitions and investments, such as impairments; rapid technological advances that make our products and services less competitive; risks that we may not continue our dividend policy; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for PPD, copies of which are available free of charge upon request from the PPD investor relations department.