Derek Richards has been appointed U.S.-based business development manager at SCM Pharma. Mr. Richards will oversee contract development and manufacturing business development activities across the region and will be responsible for growing the company’s overall U.S. footprint.
 
Mr. Richards previously held positions with Aptuit, Novartis, and Schering-Plough, and brings expertise in sterile fill/finish and formulation development. He has worked in the pharmaceutical sector for 20 years and will head-up the SCM’s U.S. sales operations from the east coast.
 
The appointment follows the approval of SCM’s UK-based clinical development and manufacturing facility by the FDA. The inspection was related to SCM’s support of BTG in preparation for the commercial launch of Varithena (polidocanol injectable foam).
 
Dianne Sharp, managing director at SCM Pharma, said, “The minute we knew the FDA were due to inspect our clinical headquarters in Prudhoe, we recognized the need to strengthen our U.S. presence as the approval will no doubt trigger more demand for our small-scale clinical and contract manufacturing services in North America. As soon as Derek came on our radar, we knew he was the ideal person for this role. His experience and expertise in the sterile and clinical manufacturing area is a perfect fit for our business and his energy will help us realize our ambitions to expand our client base in the U.S.”