Reading Scientific Services Ltd. (RSSL) has appointed David Ebdon to the newly created role of senior group leader for biological sciences. The move comes at a time of growth and expansion for the scientific consultancy, as it continues to strengthen its position as a provider of analytical services to the pharmaceutical industry.
 
Mr. Ebdon joins RSSL from Britannia Pharmaceuticals and brings over twenty years’ leadership experience in contract development and manufacturing. With overall responsibility for both the microbiology and biomolecular analysis teams, he is tasked with driving continued growth of the group in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) sectors.
 
The company’s purpose-built and recently MHRA-approved sterility suite in Wokingham, UK is a central part of this strategy. This full-service facility provides the operational space to handle greater capacity, accommodate a broader pool of talented scientists and explore new opportunities - such as delivering rapid microbiological test methods to support the recent rise in novel ATMP developments.
 
Managing the expansion of the biomolecular analysis team and services is also a significant part of Mr. Ebdon’s role. The introduction of capillary electrophoresis and bioassay method development, validation and testing is already planned for 2020.
 
“David is a hugely positive addition to the RSSL family,” said Jacinta George, managing director, RSSL. “Having spent his career working for, and with, CDMOs, he can offer unique insights and a 360-degree view of the pharmaceutical industry which will be extremely valuable—both for the teams he works with and our clients. We believe his extensive knowledge and commercial understanding will help shape the continued success of our biological sciences group.”