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PDC director brings experience, direction

by Cindy A. Abole, Public Relations

The Lowcountry’s race in pharmaceutical research, production and manufacturing charges ahead in its next heat as MUSC’s Pharmaceutical Development Center (PDC) claims a new home and president and chief executive officer.

Serving as both an industrial development facility and educational laboratory, the PDC joins ranks of the Hollings Cancer Center, Strom Thurmond Biomedical Research Center, Gazes Cardiac Research Institute and Storm Eye Institute as contributors to MUSC’s groundwork as a national research facility.

The PDC continues to make its mark among leading academic medical centers through its active research, development and pharmaceutical production facilities.

Since 1979, the center has been a productive partner with the College of Pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical Education and Development Foundation. It has already provided continued support to meet educational, research and development goals.

Edging towards the next century, the PDC has enlisted new leadership and is currently outfitting its new facility nestled among a growing number of other Lowcountry industries at North Charleston’s Faber Place.

In January, Terry W. Osborn, Ph.D., took the baton as president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Development Center. He succeeds former director James Warren, Ph.D., who helped establish the center in 1995.

“Osborn’s background, experience and success will help propel the PDC to a significant new level and position for the pharmaceutical industry in South Carolina,” said Johnnie L. Early, II, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Pharmacy and chairman of the board of directors for the Pharmaceutical Education and Development Foundation.

The PDC offers pharmaceutical expertise in all aspects of drug development within its manufacturing and laboratory space. As an educational resource, the center provides pharmacy students with industrial pharmacy experience complementing traditional community and hospital pharmacy curriculums.

Since his arrival, Osborn has spent most of his time identifying key players, including management and clients plus determining new sales and marketing objectives.

“Having this new, beautiful facility will allow the PDC to grow - perhaps doubling in size within the next decade,” Osborn said of the new 48,000 square foot facility. “What we have is something more than just a regular progression.”

Osborn’s journey will not be easy. He plans to elicit support from state and regional development planners and current clients to help market the PDC’s potential as a key player of pharmaceutical development within South Carolina.

“The PDC provides a unique affiliation with MUSC as an extension as we become more involved with the transition of research from lab to bedside.” said Ken Roozen, Ph.D., executive director for MUSC’s Foundation for Research Development.

A New Mexico native, Osborn grew up in California and earned his undergraduate in chemistry and doctorate degrees in biochemistry from the University of California at Riverside. In 1981, he received his MBA in marketing and finance at Pepperdine University.

Osborn’s experience spans more than a quarter of a century working in drug development and manufacturing sectors. He contributed as a research scientist, sales and marketing executive and clinical research president.

The PDC has contracted with more than 50 pharmaceutical companies ranging from small start-up companies to major well-known corporations. It has supported domestic and foreign businesses—providing new opportunities for repeat business over a period of time.

The facility is currently undergoing a lengthy validation process with the federal Food and Drug Administration‘s (FDA) Office. It will employ from 25-55 staffers who will provide formulation, analytical, manufacturing and packaging support.

The Pharmaceutical Development Foundation was established in 1994 to support operations of the center, support other mechanisms for expansion of facilities and equipment and provide for revenues to help support educational programs of the College of Pharmacy.