[January 15, 2015]

Purdue Chao Center to Increase Pharmaceutical Production, Collaborate with Health Services Firm

The Chao Center for Industrial Pharmacy and Contract Manufacturing will increase its pharmaceutical development and production to include other drugs for niche markets in addition to its current manufacturing of Cycloserine Capsules USP, a global drug developed by Eli Lilly and Co. used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

The Chao Center signed an agreement with Focus Health Group, a Knoxville-based health services firm, to develop drugs for niche markets.

"The agreement between the Chao Center and Focus Health Group will provide an invaluable service and product for people around the world," said Joe Stowell, Chao Center director. "I also means the Chao Center will continue to grow its operation in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette."

The Chao Center is a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that produces and distributes legacy and orphan drugs for niche markets. The center opened in 2005 through a $5 million gift from Purdue alumni Allen and Lee-Hwa Chao. The facility comprises seven, multiuse manufacturing suites situated along a clean corridor. All the suites are designed to accommodate many different types of equipment and production needs. There are two suites that can accommodate production activities requiring the use of organic solvents.

"Part of the Focus Health Group mission is to provide cost-effective products and services that meet medical needs. We had been looking for a niche facility to produce generic drugs," said Tracy Thompson, Focus Health Group CEO. "My team and I were very impressed with the Chao Center's facility and the quality and expertise of the staff. Another advantage to the agreement is the potential opportunities for research collaborations with Purdue University (News - Alert)."

The Chao Center and Focus Health Group will move forward with planning and operational development over the next six to eight months while working with regulatory agencies to finalize details and production operations.

The Chao Center for Industrial Pharmacy and Contract Manufacturing is owned by the Purdue Research Foundation. It opened in 2005 through a donation from alumni Allen Chao, Ph.D., and Lee Hwa-Chao.

Focus Health Group was founded in 2002 as an innovative health care company committed to driving down health care cost. Focus Health Group utilizes a unique process to identify, evaluate, manufacture and market drugs.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]