BURLINGTON, N.C.– Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a leading global life sciences company, today announced that it has entered into agreements to create a comprehensive strategic relationship with Ascension, one of the nation’s leading Catholic and non-profit health systems. Through the expansive strategic collaboration, Labcorp will manage Ascension’s hospital-based laboratories in 10 states and purchase select assets of the health system’s outreach laboratory business. This long-term relationship will expand Labcorp’s clinical laboratory services in several states across the country while creating opportunities to enhance care across all clinical areas.
The transactions build on Labcorp’s strong track record of establishing health system relationships that foster innovation and create value for patients, clinicians and communities. The relationship allows Ascension to leverage Labcorp’s scientific expertise, technology and scale in therapeutic areas such as oncology, neurology and women’s health—thereby enhancing existing laboratory services and offerings. Ascension’s patients and clinician network will also have access to Labcorp’s leading diagnostics and at-home test collection services.
“By connecting two mission-driven organizations delivering high-quality service and care, we can provide care teams with the information and tools needed to make the best possible decisions to improve patient outcomes,” said Adam Schechter, chairman and CEO of Labcorp. “This relationship highlights Labcorp’s ability to help health systems effectively manage industry-wide shifts and offer patients expanded testing services as we work to improve health and improve lives.”
The lab management arrangement will cover Ascension’s hospital laboratories in Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Additionally, Labcorp will work to improve standardization and efficiency using proprietary analytic tools and processes.
“This collaboration will allow us to continue our transformation as we find new and innovative ways to care for those that we’re privileged to serve during these unprecedented times,” said Joe Cacchione, M.D., executive vice president of clinical and network services at Ascension. “We will work closely with Labcorp to ensure that our patients and clinicians have a seamless experience.”
The transactions represent the national implementation of a laboratory services model that has proven successful both locally and regionally in fostering innovation and creating value for patients, providers and communities. It sets the stage for a long-term relationship designed to adapt to a changing health care environment.
Through Labcorp Drug Development, Ascension will be able to present enhanced opportunities for physicians and patients, including access to clinical trials, innovative new therapies and, where appropriate, new treatment options.
The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions and applicable regulatory approvals. Other terms of the transactions were not disclosed. The parties anticipate that the transactions will close in the first half of 2022. The organizations will work together to plan and implement a smooth, thoughtful transition that maintains continuity of services for patients, hospitals, clients and clinicians while providing direct access to the additional capabilities of Labcorp.
