University of Iowa News Release

Aug. 25, 2008

Collegiate divisions merge to become 'UI Pharmaceuticals'

Leaders at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy have announced the merger of two of its service divisions to better facilitate the college's drug development and manufacturing capabilities.

The University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals (UIP) is the new name for the combined Division of Pharmaceutical Service and the Center for Advanced Drug Development (CADD). Mickey Wells, director of Pharmaceutical Service, will lead UIP, and Alta Botha, director of CADD, will serve as scientific director. The combined organization has approximately 80 pharmaceutical professionals. Senior scientific staff average more than 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical development.

Merging the two divisions formalizes what was already occurring on a practical level, said Donald Letendre, dean of the UI College of Pharmacy. "Both divisions have worked closely with each other for years, so bringing together these two units will only enhance collaboration and lead to greater opportunities in drug discovery and development," he said.

The Division of Pharmaceutical Service is the most experienced university-affiliated drug manufacturing facility registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has produced clinical supplies in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices since 1974. Companies from around the world use the manufacturing facility to produce supplies of new pharmaceutical agents for use in clinical trials and other research.

CADD, established in 1992 and based on the UI Oakdale Research Campus, performs analytical tests to obtain data for new and existing drug formulations. The center serves pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, medical departments and governmental agencies.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa Health Science Relations, 5139 Westlawn, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1178

MEDIA CONTACT: David Pedersen, 319-335-8032, david-pedersen@uiowa.edu