PPD to Establish Clinical Research Operation at N.C. Research Campus

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Pharmaceutical Product Development, the international contract research organization and drug development firm based in Wilmington, will open a research operation at the new North Carolina Research campus.

In an announcement made Wednesday morning by billionaire David Murdock, who is building the campus, PPD has committed to creating between 200 and 300 jobs over the next three years.

“For a couple of years, I have heard many great things about the NC Research Campus,” said Fred Eshelman, PPD’s founder and chief executive officer. “After meeting with Mr. Murdock and visiting the campus, I realized this project is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity where industry and academic scientists can freely collaborate to bring innovations in scientific research to market, increasing the length and quality of human life.”

PPD, which employs more than 10,000 people, has operations in Research Triangle Park and around the world.

“My jaw dropped as we walked around and I realized that this was indeed a unique, complete and scientifically outstanding concept, which is rapidly becoming a reality,” Eshelman added in a statement.

The commitment by PPD is the largest by far from a commercial company to Murdock’s project. Construction continues on the main buildings at the campus, which is being built on a former textile plant site. Murdock is the owner of Dole Food.

“When I promised three years ago that the NC Research Campus would attract the greatest scientists and companies in the world to create cures for our most deadly and debilitating diseases, it was with companies like PPD in mind,” Murdock said at a press conference. “The presence of PPD is only the beginning; the future is bright.”

The research campus is being built by Castle & Cooke, which Murdock also owns.

Murdock is pouring more than $1 billion into the campus. Partners in the effort include Duke University, the University of North Carolina system and the N.C. Community College System.

The main building and other facilities will open later this spring.

PPD plans to lease more than 40,000 square feet in the medical office building at the campus. The Carolinas Healthcare System also will be a tenant in that facility.

To help train potential employees for PPD, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College said it will develop a certificate and degree program for clinical research associates.

Other private sector tenants at the campus include Anatomics, Angiogen and Red Hat.

The campus covers more than 300 acres.