KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, Jun 15, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network) -- MDS Pharma Services, a leading provider of innovative drug discovery and development solutions, has been ranked the top contract research organization (CRO) in Europe in a survey of clinical trial investigators by Thomson CenterWatch, a leading provider of news, market intelligence and information services for the clinical research industry.

"This recognition adds to MDS Pharma Services' reputation as a world- class, market-leading provider of drug discovery and development solutions, and attests to our commitment to continuously raising the bar to better serve our clients," said David Spaight, President, MDS Pharma Services.

In the June 2006 issue of CenterWatch Monthly, MDS Pharma Services earned the top score for CROs in the publication's survey of 356 European investigative sites where front-line researchers conduct clinical trials. Investigators were asked to rate the CROs with which they have worked over the past two years on a wide range of attributes. Seventy-nine percent of those surveyed gave MDS Pharma Services either "Good" or "Excellent" ratings, and the business received "Excellent" ratings in 14 of 28 attribute areas - more than any other CRO.

MDS Pharma Services was rated "Excellent" in the critical area of "Organization and Preparation" by 54 percent of the responding sites, more than any other CRO. "Organization and Preparation" was the most desired attribute in a CRO, with 83 percent of respondents rating it as "very important". MDS Pharma Services also out-scored other CROs in every sub- attribute in this category. Other characteristics in which MDS Pharma Services excelled include timeliness of drug availability, professionalism of the medical staff, grant payment fairness, realistic timelines, and quality of communications with sites.

"We consider our relationships with investigators to be absolutely critical to getting clients' studies recruited on time and on budget," Spaight said. "MDS Pharma has distinguished itself as a CRO that excels at helping clients succeed through exceptional service. The recognition we've received is a great honor and shows that thanks to the professionalism and deep commitment of our staff, we are building a world-class market-leading provider of drug discovery and development solutions."

About MDS Pharma Services

MDS Pharma Services offers a full spectrum of resources to meet the drug discovery and development needs of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With numerous facilities strategically located around the world, the company applies advanced scientific and technological expertise to each stage of the drug discovery and development process - Early Stage: lead optimization, pre-IND research, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical development, early clinical research (bioequivalence, phases I-IIa) and bioanalysis; and Late Stage: global clinical development (phases IIb-IV) and central lab. For more information, visit MDS Pharma Services' Web site at www.mdsps.com.

MDS Pharma Services is an integral part of MDS Inc. (TSX: MDS; NYSE: MDZ). MDS Inc. has more than 8,800 highly skilled people in 28 countries. It provides a diverse range of superior products and services to increase customers' speed, precision and productivity in the drug development and disease diagnosis processes. MDS is a global, values-driven life sciences company, recognized for its reliability and collaborative relationships that help create better outcomes in the treatment of disease. Find out more at www.mdsinc.com or by calling 1-800-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day.

SOURCE: MDS Pharma Services

SOURCE: MDS Inc.

For Investors, Sharon Mathers, (416) 675-6777 ext. 4721, Sharon.Mathers@mdsinc.com;
For Media, Charlene McGrady, (610) 239-7900, ext. 231., Charlene.Mcgrady@mdsps.com