(WILMINGTON, N.C.) – PPD, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPDI) signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on June 13, 2008, demonstrating its commitment to all employees who are members of the Armed Forces. The world-wide pharmaceutical firm headquartered in Wilmington, NC, held the event at its, and the signing was part of a ceremony sponsored by PPD and the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

More than 75 people attended the ceremony, including employees on active duty and members of the National Guard, Reserve and Armed Forces veterans. Employees dressed in the Uniform of the Day for their branch of service were recognized during the ceremony, which included lunch, a slideshow presentation and performance by vocal artist Daniel Rodriguez. Three employees also spoke about their experiences serving on active duty.

“It is an honor for PPD to show its support for our employees serving in the Armed Forces,” said Fred Eshelman, chief executive officer of PPD. “We recognize the noble sacrifices these employees make and are grateful for their service to our country.”

By signing a statement of support, PPD joins thousands of supportive employers across the United States in pledging:

• We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

“We appreciate PPD’s support of our National Guard and Reserve members and are pleased to recognize the company as a supportive employer of the Armed Forces,” said Ken Oppenheim, ESGR committee member.

“Teaming with ESGR is a great way for PPD to demonstrate its commitment and provide moral support to the men and women in uniform who give their duty and service to our country,” said Retired Major General David L. Grange, a member of the PPD board of directors.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation and, if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

PPD is a leading global contract research organization providing discovery, development and post-approval services as well as compound partnering programs. Clients and partners include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organizations.

For more information on ESGR, please contact Beth Sherman at 703-380-9717.