London Olympics 2012
The Drug Control Centre will run an independent anti-doping facility for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, operating from a satellite laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The facility will be based at one of the UK research and development sites of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The laboratory is the result of a partnership between GSK and King’s, led by Professor David Cowan, Director of the Drug Control Centre. Thousands of samples will be analysed throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the laboratory will be in operation 24 hours a day.
‘I’m delighted we’ve put this alliance with King’s College London together to ensure that excellent science can play a key role in ensuring the Games are conducted to the highest ethical standards and that athletes can lead healthier lives,’ said Andrew Witty, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline.
Professor David Cowan added, ‘I am delighted that GlaxoSmithKline has chosen to make this important contribution to our ongoing work at King’s to help deter drug cheats from coming to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With this significant partner we have the capacity to be able to help protect the health of the athlete and the integrity of the Games.'