PCI Synthesis, Inc. has appointed several experts following the completion of a major expansion of its Devens, MA R&D facility. The expansion includes several new research hoods, analytical instruments, additional support equipment, additional staff, and a major expansion to the site's existing kilo lab capacity to support early- and late-stage clinical candidate programs.

Elie Saikali, Ph.D., has been appointed director of manufacturing. Dr. Saikali oversees and directs all cGMP manufacturing operations, FDA and ICH guidelines. He joins the company from Lonza, Inc., where he held positions of increasing responsibility in process R&D, culminating with the position of product manager.

Mehdi Yazdi, Ph.D., has been appointed director of Quality Control and Analytical Services. Dr. Yazdi is focused on improving PCI’s entire Quality Control and Analytical Development function. While at the company, he has been instrumental in revamping the entire department, including improving training, ensuring consistency, building an analytical development team that has  improved outcomes. He joined the company from Clariant Life Science Molecules, where he served as QC Manager. Prior to that he was with DPT, responsible for the analytical development of large and small molecule finished dosage forms.

Don Dickison has been appointed director of business development. Mr. Dickison is responsible for the day-to-day business development activities for fine and specialty chemicals including emerging pharma. His prior experience includes positions with PRS Pharma and Eli Lilly in various sales and sales management roles.

Paul Nichols, Ph.D., has been appointed director of cGMP Kilo Lab. Dr. Nichols is responsible for early phase clinical drug substance development and manufacturing for clients. Dr. Nichols joins the company from Array BioPharma, where he served as senior research investigator. Prior to that, he worked at Abbott Labs as a research scientist.