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Medidata Solutions CEO Tarek Sherif and President Glen de Vries Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 Metro New York Area Award Winners

Ernst & Young's panel of independent judges consisting of entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from academia, business and the media honored Sherif and de Vries for building a truly collaborative, sustainable and growth-oriented business.

With their vision of bringing new efficiencies to the clinical research process through advanced technology solutions, Sherif and de Vries have guided Medidata through its rapid growth to establish one of the largest free-standing software companies in New York City and one of the two industry leaders in electronic clinical data collection and management solutions. Together they have grown Medidata by offering a compelling business story based on strong customer commitments, proven technology and solid execution.

"Initiative and resourcefulness are two components that make any entrepreneur successful, and those factors have definitely played a large role in selecting this year's winners," said Jodi Burns, Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director for Metro New York. "In taking a start-up to IPO, during a recession no less, Tarek Sherif and Glen de Vries have demonstrated a strong technology vision and business model that will no doubt continue to propel the company forward."

"Glen and I are truly honored to be recognized by Ernst & Young alongside many of New York's entrepreneurial visionaries," said Sherif. "We realize this award also honors all of Medidata's employees, who, through hard work and extraordinary execution, have built our successful company by listening to customers, understanding their needs for improved clinical development processes, and delivering innovative technology to expedite their trials successfully."

The award was presented at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 24th anniversary gala event at the New York Marriott Marquis on June 15. Sherif and de Vries are now eligible for the national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award, which will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 13, 2010. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards Program

Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the U.S.

About Medidata Solutions Worldwide

Medidata Solutions (www.mdsol.com) is a leading global provider of SaaS-based clinical development solutions that enhance the efficiency of customers' clinical trials. For over 10 years, Medidata has consistently brought next-generation innovation to the life science industry to lower the total cost of clinical development through informed trial planning and management, optimized clinical processes and platform interoperability. Medidata's advanced solutions address key functions throughout the clinical development process including protocol development (Medidata Designer), trial planning and management (Medidata Grants Manager, Medidata CRO Contractor), user and learning management (iMedidata ), randomization and trial supply management (Medidata Balance ), monitoring (Medidata Rave Monitor, Medidata Rave Targeted SDV), Serious Adverse Events capture (Medidata Rave Safety Gateway) and clinical data capture, management and reporting (Medidata Rave). Our diverse customer base spans biopharmaceutical companies, medical device and diagnostic companies, academic and government institutions, CROs and other research organizations, and includes more than 20 of the top 25 global pharmaceutical companies as well as organizations of all sizes developing life-enhancing medical treatments and diagnostics.

Lois Paul & Partners
Susan McCarron, 781-782-5767
Susan_McCarron@lpp.com