1990 Winner: Alberta Science and Technology
International Pharmaceutical Collaboration
Dr. Ronald G. Micetich obtained his PhD in chemistry from the University of Saskatchewan in 1962, and spent a year at the NRC Prairie Regional Laboratories in Saskatoon. In 1963 he joined the R and L Molecular Research Ltd., later Raylo Chemicals Ltd. in Edmonton. As Director of Research, Pharmaceuticals he interacted with a number of companies in Canada and around the world. As a result of the very close relationship developed between Dr. Micetich and Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. of Japan two companies were established in Edmonton in May 1987. Taiho Alberta Ltd. is a holding company and the North American operation of Taiho Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Micetich is the vice-president and C.E.O. of this Company.
A joint venture pharmaceutical R & D company, Synphar Laboratories Inc. in which Dr. Micetich is the president and C.E.O. was also formed. Synphar currently has a staff of 50 and occupies 20,000 sq. ft. of laboratories and office space. Dr. Micetich holds over 40 patents and has published over 100 papers in international journals. Work’s currently underway in a variety of areas of medical therapy including cardiovascular, anticancer, anti AIDS and antibiotic along with an established beta lactamase inhibitor TAZOBACTAM. In addition an analgesic and non-steriodal antiflamatory agent MOFEZOLAC is in clinical trials and is expected to be marketed by Taiho in 1993. The estimated market for this type of product is over $25 million a year.
