January 31, 2012 -- Melbourn Scientific, a leading provider of analytical and formulation contract research services for the pharma and biotech industries, is broadening its management team to position itself for further growth. Laboratory Manager Derek Solomon has been promoted to Operations Director, with immediate effect.
Derek joined Melbourn Scientific in 2005 and has overseen the expansion of the services portfolio, which included the recent addition of clinical manufacture to it’s already extensive formulation development services.
Chairman Steve Westcott says: “As a company we have seen year on year organic growth and, despite uncertain economic times, have hit and exceeded our targets.
“This last year has been particularly ambitious; we have completed another phase in the laboratory expansion, extended our manufacturing capabilities following a successful UK MHRA GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) audit, presented at a major US conference and introduced new bespoke services for accelerating the formulation development process.
“Derek has been instrumental in developing the depth and breadth of our services and it is with pleasure that we welcome him to the board.”
Derek welcomes the new challenge. He says: “We have a strong and committed team here at Melbourn. We have succeeded in embracing new services and techniques without losing the traditional skills in analytical chemistry, which are at the core of everything we do. I am looking forward to consolidating the progress made in 2011 and taking on more challenges in the coming year.”
Melbourn Scientific is one of the largest independent contract research organisations in Europe and has a highly skilled team of analysts and formulators. A policy of continuous professional development has resulted in excellent retention rates, which is particularly beneficial in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry. For clients as it offers the opportunity to work with the same team as before; which enables considerable consistency in the approach across a project.
Melbourn Scientific has seen an increase both in repeat business from its regular clients who appreciate a fast turnaround, and also in demand for special projects from companies at the leading edge of product and device development that need access to specialist experience.
CEO Mark Hammond says that Derek’s promotion will help leverage the company’s capacity for continued growth.
He says: “One of the key drivers over the next three years will be the desire of pharma companies to manage the same level of development projects, but with a diminished internal workforce. As an experienced contract research organisation with knowledge of both the European and US regulatory frameworks we are in a strong position to support these companies.
“The role of Operations Director is new to the company, it will help us to deliver all our projects to a consistently high standard and to see opportunities to offer additional services.”
For media enquiries: Please contact Rachel Holdsworth/Nina Beadle, 01954 202789, nina@holdsworth-associates.co.uk, www.holdsworth-associates.co.uk
Melbourn Scientific: Martin Westcott, Business Development Manager, Melbourn Scientific Ltd, 01763 261648, martin.westcott@melbournscientific.com, www.melbournscientific.com
About Melbourn Scientific
Melbourn Scientific, based near Cambridge UK, provides high quality analytical and formulation services to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Clients include major pharmaceutical companies, drug delivery innovators, consultants and virtual companies.
Melbourn Scientific has invested continually in the latest equipment and provides a range of services; formulation and product development; method development and analytical support; stability studies and storage; accelerated feasibility studies, GMP facilities and manufacturing.
