KENILWORTH, N.J., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Schering-Plough Corporation announced with sadness today the death of Jonathan R. Spicehandler, M.D., 57, retired chairman of Schering-Plough Research Institute (SPRI), following a long battle with cancer.
“Dr. Spicehandler was instrumental in advancing the discovery and development of important medicines during his years leading Schering-Plough Research Institute,” said Fred Hassan, chairman and chief executive officer. “He brought strong leadership and vision to the colleagues who worked with him, as well as his personal perspective as both a patient and as a scientist who spent many years working to develop treatments for cancer,” added Hassan. “On behalf of all Schering-Plough colleagues worldwide, we extend our sincere condolences to the Spicehandler family and friends.”
During his 24 years with Schering-Plough, Dr. Spicehandler was involved in the development of some of the company’s most significant pharmaceutical products, including INTRON(R) A (interferon alfa-2b recombinant), an anticancer/antiviral therapy; PEG-INTRON(R) (peginterferon alfa-2b), a longer- acting form of alpha interferon; CLARITIN(R) (loratadine), a nonsedating antihistamine; TEMODAR(R) (temozolomide), a chemotherapeutic agent for certain types of brain tumors; and ZETIA(R) (ezetimibe) and VYTORIN(R) (ezetimibe/simvastatin), cholesterol-lowering medicines. His contributions to the broader pharmaceutical industry and scientific communities have been widely recognized.
Dr. Spicehandler joined Schering-Plough in 1982 as senior director, Immunology, before being appointed vice president, Clinical Research. He served as vice president, Biological Research, and vice president, Operations, before being appointed president of SPRI in 1993. In 2002, he was named SPRI chairman, serving as a scientific advisor to the Schering-Plough Operating Committee, as well as to senior management. He retired in June 2006.
Dr. Spicehandler received his B.A. degree in biology from Union College, Schenectady, N.Y., in 1970. He received his M.D. degree, cum laude, in 1974 from St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo. He is survived by his wife Debra and their four children.
Schering-Plough Corporation is a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough’s vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 32,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is http://www.schering-plough.com.
Schering-Plough Corporation
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