PCI Synthesis Adds Manufacturing, QC, Business, and R&D Expertise

NEWBURYPORT, MA and NEW ORLEANS, LA--(Marketwire - Jan 31, 2012) - Informex, Booth 425 -- PCI Synthesis, Inc. (www.pcisynthesis.com), a 12-year-old custom chemical manufacturer of new chemical entities (NCEs), generic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and other specialty chemical products, has significantly increased its bench strength in quality control and research and development with the hiring of several experts in recent months.

"We are investing significantly in the people, the processes and technology necessary to be a leader in the Biotech and Pharma space, especially in the Greater Boston area. As a result, we now offer a higher level of technology expertise as well as the ability to meet or exceed all compliance and regulatory mandates," said Edward S. Price, President of PCI Synthesis. "Our team of experts in R&D, quality control and analytics is top-notch, and our clients already see the value."

New in-house experts include:

• Elie Saikali, Ph.D., Director of Manufacturing: A holder of seven patents and a rich publication history, Elie Saikali oversees and directs all manufacturing operations according to cGMP, FDA and ICH guidelines. Dr. Saikali comes to PCI Synthesis from Lonza Inc. where he held increasingly responsible positions in process research and development ultimately holding the title of product manager. He earned his doctorate at Wake Forest University, and a master's of science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
• Mehdi Yazdi, Ph.D., Director of Quality Control and Analytical Services: With a doctorate from the University of Mississippi, Mehdi Yazdi is focused on improving PCI's entire Quality Control and Analytical Development function. In his short time at PCI Synthesis, Dr. Yazdi has been instrumental in revamping the entire department, including improving training, ensuring consistency, building an analytical development team that has significantly improved outcomes. He joined the company from Clariant Life Science Molecules, where he was served as QC Manager; prior to that he was with DPT, responsible for the analytical development of both large and small molecule finished dosage forms.
• Don Dickison, Director of Business Development: With a successful career in pharmaceutical sales and sales management, Don Dickison is responsible for the day-to-day business development activities for fine and specialty chemicals including emerging Pharma. His prior experience includes posts at PRS Pharma and almost a decade and a half with Eli Lilly in various sales and sales management roles. Dickison holds a bachelor's degree from the University of New Brunswick.
• Paul Nichols, Ph.D., Director of cGMP Kilo Lab: In this role, Paul Nichols is responsible for early phase clinical drug substance development and manufacturing for PCI's' clients. Dr. Nichols comes to the company after several years at Array BioPharma, where he held the position of Senior Research Investigator. Before that, Dr. Nichols worked at Abbott Labs as a Research Scientist. He earned a doctorate from the University of Colorado at Boulder, a master's of science from San Diego State University and a bachelor's degree from the University of California at San Diego.

About PCI Synthesis
PCI Synthesis is a 12-year-old custom chemical manufacturer of new chemical entities (NCEs), generic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and other specialty chemical products. A contract manufacturing organization (CMO), PCI provides emerging and mid-sized pharmaceutical companies access to the expertise needed to develop and manufacture complex small molecules and APIs used in generic pharmaceuticals. To learn more about PCI Synthesis, its proprietary NCE development activities and process R&D capabilities please visit www.pcisynthesis.com.