METRICS VP ONE OF HANDFUL IN WORLD TO EARN CPIP™ CREDENTIAL
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Michael D. Ruff, R.Ph., vice president of pharmaceutical development at Metrics Inc., has become the ninth person in the world to earn the new Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional (CPIP™) credential.
The new credential – awarded by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering’s Professional Certification Commission – is the first competency–based international certification for pharmaceutical professionals. It holds those who qualify to a global competency standard through demonstrated education, experience and a rigorous examination.
“We are very proud of Mike for achieving this tremendous accomplishment,” said Phil Hodges, president. “We’re also proud that through it, Metrics is demonstrating a continued commitment to retaining the best and brightest employees, as well as a never–ending effort to exceed the highest standards within the industry. We congratulate Mike on his award.”
Ruff, who recently was promoted to vice president of pharmaceutical development, has been with Metrics for 11 years, where his responsibilities have included providing formulation development, clinical trial material manufacture and consultation services to Metrics’ clients.
A member of ISPE since 2005, Ruff holds bachelor of science degrees in zoology and pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin. He anticipates completing his PharmD degree from Shenandoah University this year.
Ruff is a registered pharmacist with 20–plus years’ experience in developing new chemical entities with a focus on oncology, central nervous system and anti–viral drugs. He holds several U.S. patents for pharmaceutical applications and has authored numerous technical papers that have been presented at national and international conferences, including ISPE. He also is a member of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
Metrics Inc. is one of the fastest–growing contract pharmaceutical development laboratories in the United States. The company recently completed an $18–million, 52,000–square–foot facility addition, which doubled its space and allowed it to dramatically expand services to clients. Metrics provides quality pharmaceutical formulation, clinical trial material (Phase I, II and III) and commercial manufacturing, and analytical development/validation services to the pharmaceutical industry.
Metrics’ facility addition includes:
- Four new analytical laboratories. The labs are fully operational, validated and ready to handle projects.
- Stability storage. Metrics offers state–of–the–art environmental specialties chambers with redundant mechanical systems and strictly limited personnel access.
- A dedicated cytotoxic and potent compound laboratory.
- A new microbiology laboratory. Metrics has brought antibiotic assay and sterility testing online, enhancing its ability to offer full microbiological support of sterile products. The company routinely performs bacterial endotoxin and particulate matter testing on parenterals.
As part of its expansion, Metrics also is increasing staff, adding at least 50 pharmaceutical scientists and technicians. For more information about Metrics, its facility expansion and its services, visit www.metricsinc.com
The ISPE is an independent membership organization of 25,000 pharmaceutical manufacturing professionals from 90 countries. It aims to be the catalyst for engineering pharmaceutical innovation by providing members opportunities to develop technical knowledge, exchange practical experience and collaborate with global regulatory agencies and industry leaders. Founded in 1980, ISPE has worldwide headquarters in Tampa, Florida, with other offices in Brussels, Belgium, and Singapore. Visit www.ispe.org for additional information.
The ISPE Professional Certification Commission is an autonomous governing body that develops certification programs to benefit professionals and their employers, as well as government, academe and the public health product consumer. The PCC’s commissioners include senior–level industry professionals representing Argentina, Australia, Japan, North America and the United Kingdom, as well as academe, the US Food and Drug Administration and the general public. Visit www.ispe-pcc.org for additional certification information.
