PHARMACEUTICALS veteran Paul Thomas has been appointed as a non-executive director at Northumberland drug maker SCM Pharma.

Thomas has over 25 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical sector, and the trained chemist has worked in a range of drug development, manufacturing and commercial roles during his career.

Dianne Sharp, managing director at SCM Pharma, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Paul to the SCM family as he is very experienced in our sector and will no doubt bring a huge amount to the table when it comes to the future strategy and direction for the business.

“His expertise in sterile filling and his understanding of the stringent quality regulations required in various export markets will be invaluable to have at board level and complements the existing skill set we have.

“Furthermore, his vast experience in dealing with Japanese and US companies also aligns perfectly with our current commercial activities.”

SCM Pharma specialises in formulation and production of novel, difficult and dangerous drugs for companies requiring products for clinical trials or a supply of niche licensed drugs. It has nearly doubled its workforce from 50 to 90 in the last year, and now has laboratory space at the University of Sunderland as well as its clinical manufacturing headquarters in Prudhoe. It is also building a new commercial production facility.

On his new appointment, Paul said: “I am delighted to be working with the directors and the wider team at SCM Pharma at such an exciting period in the company's continued growth.

“Aside from its well respected industry reputation, I was attracted to the company due to its world class sterile manufacturing capabilities and ability to produce complex drug products.”

The company recently won an nebusiness award for the Northumberland and Tyneside region in the science and technology category, and has clients in a number of therapeutic areas including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, dermatitis and sexual health.