Investor Relations

Exclusive Global Provider for Transposagen's p53 and Bcrp TGEM(TM) Knockout Rat Models

WILMINGTON, Mass., Oct 13, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) today announced that it has entered into an exclusive, long-term marketing and distribution agreement with Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., a Lexington, Kentucky-based provider of unique genetically modified rat models. Under this agreement, Charles River has become the exclusive, global provider for Transposagen's p53 and Bcrp TGEM(TM) Knockout Rat Models and associated downstream services utilizing these models. The companies have also agreed to a research and development (R&D) collaboration, whereas scientific management from both companies will hold technical discussions and cooperatively work towards the creation of select, new genetically modified rat models.

The exclusive license for these two research model lines expands Charles River's industry-leading portfolio of research models and services to offer novel knockout rat models - an emerging tool in drug discovery and development research - to its pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic and government clients. Transposagen's showcase TGEM(TM) model, the p53 TGEM(TM) Knockout Rat Model, is expected to be a valuable tool in oncology research as it is believed that the Tp53 gene (tumor protein 53) is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancers. The p53 TGEM(TM) Knockout Rat Model is also the only fully phenotyped p53 knockout rat model commercially available. The Bcrp TGEM(TM) Knockout Rat Model lacks the expression of the drug transporter Bcrp gene (breast cancer resistance protein 1, or Abcg2), which plays a role in multi-drug resistance in cancer therapy and the uptake of drugs in cells, as well as fetal protection during pregnancy. These novel rat models, created using Transposagen's innovative TGEM(TM) technology, are expected to play a pivotal role in unwinding the complex function of both Tp53 and Bcrp genes in disease progression and treatment, as well as provide new opportunities to examine the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and carcinogenicity and other potential toxicities of novel therapeutic compounds.

Dr. Iva Morse, Corporate Vice President, Global Research Model Services at Charles River, commented, "Charles River is extremely pleased to offer knockout rat models to our clients for the first time by partnering with Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals, a leader in the creation of genetically modified rat models. Knockout rat models are a new and emerging tool in drug discovery and development, and Transposagen's p53 and Bcrp TGEM(TM) Knockout Rat Models are expected to become widely accepted for research in oncology and other therapeutic areas."

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "will," "may," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements also include statements regarding the future benefits and opportunities to be derived from the p53 TGEM(TM) Knockout Rat Model and the Bcrp TGEM(TM) Knockout Rat Model, and the acceptance and adoption of these models as drug discovery and development tools. Forward-looking statements are based on Charles River's current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ability to successfully integrate businesses we acquire; negative trends in research and development spending, negative trends in the level of outsourced services, or other cost reduction actions by our customers; the ability to convert backlog to sales; special interest groups; contaminations; industry trends; new displacement technologies; USDA and FDA regulations; changes in law; continued availability of products and supplies; loss of key personnel; interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; changes in tax regulation and laws; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; and any changes in business, political, or economic conditions due to the threat of future terrorist activity in the U.S. and other parts of the world, and related U.S. military action overseas. A further description of these risks, uncertainties, and other matters can be found in the Risk Factors detailed in Charles River's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on February 19, 2010, as well as other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by Charles River, and Charles River assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update information contained in this news release except as required by law.

About Charles River

Accelerating Drug Development. Exactly. Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our approximately 8,000 employees worldwide are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, development through first-in-human evaluation, and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit http://www.criver.com.

SOURCE: Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.

Investor Contact:
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
Susan E. Hardy, 781-222-6190
Corporate Vice President, Investor Relations
susan.hardy@crl.com
or
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Weber Shandwick
Emily Hyman, 617-520-7094
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