##### 



EXHIBIT 10.4

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is effective the 12th day of August, 2002 by and between
BioReliance Corporation, a Delaware corporation with principal offices located
at 14920 Broschart Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, and all of its subsidiary
companies and its successors or assigns (the Corporation) and Allan J.
Darling, Ph.D. (the Executive).



|1. |  | POSITION AND EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP:
|-- |  | -------------------------------------



| | 1. |  | The Executive is currently employed as the Vice President,
U.S. Biosafety Testing (Vice President). Commencing on the
effective date of this Agreement for a term of twelve (12) months
(hereinafter referred to as Term), the Corporation hereby agrees
to continue to employ the Executive in his current position or a
comparable position consistent with his qualifications and
experience, and the business needs of the Corporation. At the end
of this twelve (12) month Term, this Agreement and all its
provisions will renew once for another Term of twelve (12) months,
unless ninety (90) days prior to the end of the original Term, the
Executive or the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation provides written notice to the other of an intent not to
renew the Agreement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
| | -- |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| | 2. |  | Such employment relationship is not at-will and is instead
governed by the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
The Employment relationship, however, may be terminated by the
Corporation or the Executive prior to the expiration of this twelve
(12) month Term pursuant to sections E, F, I, and J respectively of
this Agreement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
|
| | 3. |  | As Vice President, the Executive shall perform such duties as
may be assigned to the Executive from time to time by the
Corporations President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or the
Corporations Board of Directors (Board), including, but not
limited to the following: developing and executing plans toward
attainment of current and long-range objectives, including achieving
revenue, revenue growth and income objectives, maximum return on
invested capital, and quality, client satisfaction and employee
development goals; developing financial plans and budgets;
overseeing all reporting functions; coordinating activities with
other vice presidents and supporting departmental directors;
supporting Corporate activities including market analyses, strategic
planning, R&D planning and project selection, engagement and
assessments of potential partners, and the like; supporting the
evaluation and analysis of acquisition opportunities, if any;
developing and documenting novel or typical service programs,
procedures, methodologies and the like; meeting with clients,
understanding their product and production methods and developing
timely and cost-effective strategies acceptable to them and to
various national regulatory authorities; designing major projects
and, as appropriate, writing

Page 1 of 9



---



##### 





| |  |  | major project plans; closing key proposals; directing complex
technical activities, in particular projects of significant scale
and scope; solving challenging technical, regulatory and service
problems; building client relationships; and anticipating follow-on
client engagements.
| |  |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|2. |  | LIMITATION ON OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: The Executive shall devote his full
employment energies, interest, abilities and time to the performance of
the obligations hereunder and shall not, without written consent of the
Corporation, through its President and CEO, render to others any service
of any kind for compensation, and in addition, shall not engage in any
activity which conflicts or interferes with the performance of the
Executives duties hereunder.
|-- |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|  
|3. |  | COMPENSATION: For all services rendered by Executive pursuant to this
Agreement, Corporation will pay to Executive, and the Executive will
accept as full compensation hereunder, the following:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      



| | 1. |  | Base Salary:The Executives annual base salary (salary)
during calendar year 2002, as determined by the Compensation
Committee of the Board, shall be two hundred and ten thousand
dollars ($210,000). The salary will be subject to all appropriate
federal, state and local withholding requirements and will be
payable in equal bi-weekly installments. The Executives salary
during a subsequent calendar year during the Term of this Agreement
will be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board based
upon the recommendation of the President and CEO, but in no event
shall the Executives salary be less than the salary he received
during the prior calendar year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
| | -- |  | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| | 2. |  | Performance Bonus:If the Executive remains in the employ of
the Corporation through December 31 of each year during the Term of
this Agreement, the Executive shall be eligible for a performance
bonus (bonus) based on individual and corporate performance
factors relating to mutually acceptable objectives. Executives
bonus will be subject to all appropriate federal, state and local
withholding requirements. The exact amount of the bonus will be at
the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board. Unless
otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Corporation will be
obligated to pay the Executive the bonus as long as the Executive
(a) does not resign from the Corporation before December 31 of each
year, or (b) is not terminated for Cause (as hereinafter defined),
or (c) does not fail to meet his individual performance objectives.
This bonus may also be paid out on a quarterly basis at the
discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board.
|
| | 3. |  | Stock Options: As an inducement to remain in the employ of
the Corporation and as an incentive to build the Corporations
value, the Corporation may grant to the Executive additional stock
options. The number of option shares to be granted and their timing
and other terms will be determined by the Compensation Committee of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Page 2 of 9



---



##### 





| |  |  | the Board and governed by the Corporations 1997 Incentive Plan (as
adopted May 28, 1997 and amended and restated September 24, 1997,
May 21, 1998, May 13, 1999, and June 10, 2002) [hereinafter
referred to as 1997 Incentive Plan], which is attached hereto as
Exhibit 1.
| |  |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|D. |  | BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES:
|-- |  | -------------------------



| | 1. |  | Medical and Other Insurance Coverage:The Corporation shall
provide such medical and other insurance coverage to the Executive
to the extent and on the terms that such benefits are made available
to other similarly situated employees. This provision does not
alter the Corporations right to modify or eliminate any employee
benefit plan from time to time and does not guarantee the
continuation of any kind or level of benefit or perquisite.
| | -- |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| | 2. |  | Paid Personal Leave:The Executive shall receive vacation,
sick and personal
holiday leave pursuant to the Corporations Paid Personal Leave Policy
(PPL) under the schedule for an Executive of the Company, which is attached
hereto as Exhibit 2 and incorporated herein by reference.                                                                                                                                                               
|
| | 3. |  | Other Perquisites and Benefits:The Corporation will provide
the Executive with appropriate office space, as it deems necessary,
and will provide telephone, computer, email and internet access as
required to perform the Executives duties during the term of his
employment.                                                                                                                                                                         



|E. |  | COMPENSATION UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL: Notwithstanding any other provision
in this Agreement, if there is a change in control of the Corporation
(as hereinafter defined) during the Term of this Agreement, and within
twelve (12) months thereafter, either (1) the Executive is terminated
Without Cause (as hereinafter defined in section F) or (2) the Executives
responsibilities are significantly reduced and, as a result, the Executive
terminates his employment pursuant to section J, the Executive shall be
entitled to the compensation and benefits set forth below.
|-- |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | 1. |  | Base Compensation:The Corporation shall pay the Executive
sixteen (16) months of his then current base salary. This
compensation will be paid in two parts, as follows: (a) an initial
lump-sum payment of eight (8) months of base salary will be paid
within ten (10) working days of termination of employment and (b)
beginning six (6) months after termination of employment, equal
monthly payments for eight (8) months thereafter. This second
payment in section (b) will be correspondingly reduced by any base
compensation payments the Executive receives through new employment.
The Executive is obligated to inform the Corporation, its successors
and assigns, in writing within ten (10) calendar days of his
acceptance of such new employment and include in this notice what
his base compensation and expected start date are. However, if the
Executives base compensation at such new employment
| | -- |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Page 3 of 9



---



##### 





| |    |  | is equal to or exceeds his prior base salary at the Corporation, the
Executive may simply confirm this fact in the notice in lieu of
disclosing the actual new base compensation figure.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
| | -- |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| | 2. |  | Stock Options:The disposition of any and all stock options
granted by the Corporation to the Executive will be governed by the
1997 Incentive Plan.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
|
| | 3. |  | Bonus Compensation:The Corporation shall pay the Executive,
within thirty (30) calendar days of termination, his performance
bonus, pro-rated to reflect the date of termination.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
|
| | 4. |  | Medical Benefits:If the Executive elects to continue medical
benefits coverage under COBRA, the Corporation will pay the
applicable COBRA premium for a period of the lesser of eighteen (18)
months or until such time as the Executive obtains other employment
that provides medical benefits coverage, provided the Executive and
any of his eligible dependents elect COBRA continuation coverage.
This provision is otherwise subject to all applicable COBRA
continuation requirements and does not alter the Corporations right
to amend or terminate its medical plan.        
|
| | 5. |  | Other Benefits:If the Executive is involved in pre-approved
course work eligible for reimbursement under the Corporations
Tuition Assistance Program (Program) or has an education
assistance loan outstanding under that Program, the Corporation will
reimburse any remaining balance due on the course work and forgive
any indebtedness in connection with the outstanding education
assistance loan. This provision is otherwise subject to all
applicable Tuition Assistance Program requirements and does not
alter the Corporations right to amend or terminate its Program.



|A change in control for purpose of this Agreement shall be deemed to
have occurred if the Corporation is subject to an acquisition in
accordance with Section 2.12 (a) of the Corporations 1997 Incentive
Plan, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
The privileges, compensation, and benefits set forth in section E survive
the expiration of this Agreement as long as there is a change in
control as herein defined during the Term of this Agreement.All compensation paid by the Corporation under section E will be subject
to all appropriate federal, state and local withholding requirements.
Also, notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
contrary, to the extent that any payment or distribution of any type to
or for the benefit of the Executive by the Corporation, any affiliate of
the Corporation, any person who acquires ownership or effective control
of the Corporation or ownership of a substantial portion of the
Corporations assets (within the meaning of Section 280G of the
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Page 4 of 9



---



##### 







|Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the Code), and the
regulations thereunder), or any affiliate of such person, whether paid or
payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or otherwise (the Total Payment), is or will be subject to
the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the Excise Tax),
then the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) if and to
the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments will be
subject to the Excise Tax. The Corporation shall reduce or eliminate the
Total Payments by first reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total
Payments which is payable in cash and then by reducing or eliminating
payments which are not payable in cash, in each case in reverse order
beginning with payments or benefits which are paid the farthest in time
from the determination that the Total Payments need to be reduced. All
determinations required to be made under this provision shall be made by
a nationally recognized accounting firm that is the Corporations outside
auditor at the time of such determinations.
Any dispute between the Executive and the Corporation, it successors and
assigns, involving section E will be resolved by arbitration in
accordance with section Q below, except any 280G determination made by
Corporations outside auditor shall be binding, final, and conclusive
upon the Corporation and the Executive.
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|F. |  | TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT: During the Term of this Agreement,
Executives employment is not at-will and may be terminated by the
Corporation only on two bases: (1) Cause; or (2) Without Cause. As used
in this Agreement, Cause shall mean that the Executive:
|-- |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (1) |  | committed an act or acts of personal dishonesty
intended to result in the Executives personal enrichment at
the expense of the Corporation, and which constitute(s) fraud,
embezzlement, grand larceny or any felonious act;
| | --- |  | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| | (2) |  | materially failed or refused to perform the
Executives essential duties and obligations as an employee of
the Corporation;                                                                                                  
|
| | (3) |  | committed an act of willful misconduct;                                                                                                                                                                                      
|
| | (4) |  | was convicted of a felony or other serious crime;                                                                                                                                                                            
|
| | (5) |  | has engaged in the unlawful use of narcotics;                                                                                                                                                                                
|
| | (6) |  | engaged in abusive use of alcohol to a degree, or
in a manner, that would materially and adversely affect the
performance of the Executives assigned work or degrade the
reputation of the Corporation;                     

Page 5 of 9



---



##### 





| | (7) |  | violated the terms of the Confidentiality, Trade
Secrets and Noncompetition Agreement he signed on March 1,
1999;                                  
| | --- |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| | (8) |  | violated or breached the terms of this Agreement;
or                                                                                               
|
| | (9) |  | is unable to perform the essential functions of
his position due to disability, injury, or illness as set
forth in section I below or due to death.



|In accordance with these definitions of Cause, the Board, or a delegated
committee of the Board, will in its sole discretion decide whether the
Executive shall be terminated for Cause after affording the Executive an
opportunity to be heard on the matter. The Board, or the delegated
committee of the Board, will in its sole discretion determine the time,
place, and manner of the opportunity for the Executive to be heard, but
to the extent practicable any such meeting will take place in Montgomery
County, Maryland during regular business hours. If the Executive fails
to appear or to follow the manner of opportunity afforded by the Board or
its committee, the Board, or the delegated committee, may render its
decision without hearing the Executives views.
Any reason for termination other than those set forth above will be
deemed to be Without Cause.
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|G. |  | TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE  EFFECT ON FUTURE COMPENSATION: In the event
Executive is terminated Without Cause and there has not been a change in
control as defined in section E, Executive will be entitled to receive
the following compensation and benefits:
|-- |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | 1. |  | Base Compensation:The Corporation shall pay the Executive
his then current salary for the remaining Term of this Agreement or
for a period of six (6) months, which ever period is greater. Such
compensation shall be paid in equal monthly payments and will be
subject to all appropriate federal, state and local withholding
requirements.
| | -- |  | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| | 2. |  | Stock Options:The disposition of any and all stock options
granted by the
Corporation to the Executive will be governed by the 1997 Incentive
Plan.                                                                                                                                                                                            
|
| | 3. |  | Bonus Compensation:The Corporation shall pay the Executive,
within thirty (30) calendar days of termination, his performance
bonus, pro-rated to reflect the date of termination.                                                                                                                                                              
|
| | 4. |  | Medical Benefits:If the Executive elects to continue
medical benefits coverage under COBRA, the Corporation will pay the
applicable COBRA premium for a period of the lesser of eighteen (18)
months or until such time as the Executive obtains other employment
that provides medical benefits coverage, provided the                        

Page 6 of 9



---



##### 





| |    |  | Executive and any of his eligible dependents elect COBRA
continuation coverage. This provision is otherwise subject to all
applicable COBRA continuation requirements and does not alter the
Corporations right to amend or terminate its medical plan.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
| | -- |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| | 5. |  | Other Benefits:If the Executive is involved in pre-approved
course work eligible for reimbursement under the Corporations
Tuition Assistance Program (Program) or has an education
assistance loan outstanding under that Program, the Corporation will
reimburse any remaining balance due on the course work and forgive
any indebtedness in connection with the outstanding education
assistance loan. This provision is otherwise subject to all
applicable Tuition Assistance Program requirements and does not
alter the Corporations right to amend or terminate its Program.



|H. |  | TERMINATION WITH CAUSE  EFFECT ON FUTURE COMPENSATION: In the event
Executive is terminated for Cause, Executive will be entitled to no future
compensation from the Corporation and any and all stocks options granted
by the Corporation to the Executive will be disposed of in accordance with
the 1997 Incentive Plan. Moreover, the Executive will not earn any
additional compensation after the effective date of such termination.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
|-- |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|  
|I. |  | DISABILITY: If the Executive is unable to perform the essential
functions of his position due to illness, injury, or incapacity for a
period of more than twelve weeks following the use of all available Paid
Personal Leave (PPL), the compensation otherwise payable to him under
this Agreement shall cease and the Corporation may terminate his
employment unless the Board determines otherwise or the Executive is able
to perform the essential functions of his position with reasonable
accommodation.                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|  
|J. |  | TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY EXECUTIVE: Executive may terminate his
employment upon thirty (30) days written notice to the President and CEO.
Unless otherwise provided herein, if the Executive terminates his
employment, the Executive shall only be entitled to base compensation
through the last day actually worked as well as any bonus compensation for
which the work period and performance criteria have been fully met. The
Board may provide the Executive with additional compensation, if the Board
in its discretion deems such additional compensation warranted. Also, the
disposition of any and all stock options granted by the Corporation to the
Executive will be governed by the 1997 Incentive Plan.
|  
|K. |  | CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONCOMPETITION: By signing below, the Executive
acknowledges his ongoing and continuing obligation to abide by the
Confidentiality, Trade Secrets and Noncompetition Agreement that he
executed on March 1, 1999 (Trade Secrets Agreements), which is attached
hereto as Exhibit 3 and incorporated herein by reference.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Page 7 of 9



---



##### 





|L. |  | NO PRIOR AGREEMENTS: The Executive represents and warrants that he is
not a party or otherwise subject to or bound by the terms of any contract,
agreement or understanding which in any manner would limit or otherwise
affect his ability to perform his obligations hereunder. The Executive
further represents and warrants that his employment with the Corporation
will not require the disclosure or use of any confidential information
belonging to prior employers or to other persons or entities. The
Executive understands that the Corporation does not expect or desire and
in fact disapproves of and forbids the Executive to use or disclose, in
the performance of his duties for the Corporation, any such confidential
information belonging to prior employers or other persons or entities.                                                                                                                                                                             
|-- |  | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|  
|M. |  | ASSIGNMENT: This Agreement is personal to Executive and may not be
assigned in any way by Executive without prior written consent by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation. Any attempted assignment by
Executive will be void. Notwithstanding anything in this section to the
contrary, however, this Agreement may be assigned by the Corporation to
any parent, subsidiary, successor, or affiliate entity. The rights and
obligations under this Agreement will inure to the benefit of and will be
binding upon the heirs, legatees, administrators, and personal
representatives of Executive and upon the successors, representatives, and
assigns of the Corporation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
|  
|N. |  | ILLEGAL OR INVALID PROVISION: The parties intend for all provisions of
this Agreement to be enforced and enforceable to the fullest extent
permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be
illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under present or future laws in effect
during the term hereof, however, that provision will be fully severable.
This Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid,
or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, and the
remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect and will not be
affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its
severance from this Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of each such illegal,
invalid, or unenforceable provision, there will be added automatically, as
a part of this Agreement, a provision as similar in terms to such illegal,
invalid, or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal,
valid, and enforceable.
|  
|O. |  | GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement shall be construed and governed by the
laws of the State of Maryland without regard to any conflict of laws rules
or provisions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
|  
|P. |  | ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement
between the Corporation and the Executive. This Agreement may not be
changed orally, but only by an agreement in writing signed by the parties.
This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, discussions or statements
regarding the Executives employment, except for the Confidentiality,
Trade Secrets and Noncompetition Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 3,
which will survive.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
|  
|Q. |  | ARBITRATION: Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, any
claim or controversy relating to or arising out of this Agreement shall be
resolved exclusively by                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Page 8 of 9



---



##### 





|   |  | arbitration in accordance with the commercial rules then obtaining of the
American Arbitration Association. This Arbitration provision, including
any challenges to its enforceability, is governed by the Federal
Arbitration Act. The arbitration shall take place in Montgomery County,
Maryland. The Corporation and Executive shall bear separately their
respective attorneys fees. The Corporation shall bear the cost of the
arbitration and any fees required by the commercial rules then obtaining
of the American Arbitration Association.
|-- |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|  
|R. |  | MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING: Each party has read this entire Agreement, fully
understands the contents hereof, has had the opportunity to obtain
independent advice as to its legal effect, and is under no duress or
obligation of any kind to execute it. This Agreement reflects the mutual
understanding of the parties with the respect to all subject matters
addressed herein and will be construed accordingly.                                                                                                                                       

BioReliance Corporation

|    |  |                                                                       |  |     |  |                        
|--- |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | --- |  | -----------------------
|By: |  | /s/ William J. Gedale                                                 |  | By: |  | /s/Allan J. Darling    
|    |  |                                                                       |  |    
|    |  | William J. Gedale
Chairman, Compensation Committee
Board of Directors |  |     |  | Allan J. Darling, Ph.D.

Address: 14920 Broschart Road
Rockville, MD 20850

|      |  |                 |  |       |  |                
|----- |  | --------------- |  | ----- |  | ---------------
|Date: |  | August 26, 2002 |  | Date: |  | August 12, 2002
|      |  |                 |  |      

Page 9 of 9