Stiefel to integrate research site into global network

Stiefel Laboratories has announced plans to integrate the research and development site in Palo Alto, California – a former Connetics facility – into the company’s global network.

Having completed its acquisition of Connetics in December 2006, the firm had previously given assurances that this site would remain open until the end of this year.

The company reports that the retention of the site – renamed the Stiefel West Coast facility – will enable the firm to keep vital research and development capabilities, staff expertise and technological resources.

Brent Stiefel, executive vice-president of global corporate development and global product portfolio, said: “The integration of the former Connetics organization into Stiefel Laboratories is an ongoing process.

“From the outset, we believed the two organizations were both compatible and complementary.”

He added that the decision to keep the former Connetics site at Palo Alto open highlights the company’s commitment to using the strengths of both firms to develop a unified team to best equip the firm for the future.

Earlier this month, Stiefel announced the appointment of Gavin Corcoran to the position of senior vice-president of global research and development, with responsibility for overseeing the Stiefel West Coast site and other global facilities.