The Next Chapter

When I first entered the business-to-business publishing world more than 30 years ago, I never expected to spend a significant portion of my career writing about bio/pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. The subjects I have covered are somewhat obscure to someone not involved in that industry, prompting the comment: “There’s a magazine for that?” As a writer/journalist, I sometimes would question my choice to write about pharmaceutical regulations or bioprocessing equipment versus penning the great American novel.

During the past 18 months, reporting on the pandemic-related news and bio/pharmaceutical development and manufacturing efforts to combat the pandemic served as a reminder of the important role media outlets such as Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology Europe, and BioPharm International play in their markets, and beyond.

The achievements by the bio/pharmaceutical industry to produce billions of doses of new vaccines has been remarkable; however, it is obvious that more work is to be done. For me, it is time to transition to my next chapter; I will be retiring from my position of editorial director of these publications at the end of September 2021.

I leave with the confidence that the magazines, websites, webcasts, newsletters, videos, podcasts, conference sessions, and other multimedia programs are in the great hands of the editorial team of Felicity Thomas, Susan Haigney, Jennifer Markarian, Feliza Mirasol, Meg Rivers, Grant Playter, and new editorial director, Christopher Spivey.

I also know readers and advertisers will be supported by the sales team led by Publisher Mike Tracey and the webcast, design, content marketing, audience development, and other experts who have supported Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology Europe, and BioPharm International over the years. I am grateful for their expertise, dedication, and friendship during my time with the publications.

Parting thoughts

Currently, we are witnessing the impact rumors or misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines can have on society. As essential healthcare providers, bio/pharma companies cannot contribute to such misinformation or prioritize the bottom line over the quality and safety of the products they produce. Likewise, the companies supporting these efforts are obligated to share information supported by science and data, not marketing or sales objectives.

Keeping a “science first” mantra at the forefront will help ensure the bio/pharma industry can meet its primary obligation of serving patients.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent this industry.

Article Details

Pharmaceutical Technology
Vol. 45, No. 9
September 2021
Page: 10

Citation

When referring to this article, please cite it as R. Peters, “The Next Chapter,” Pharmaceutical Technology, 45 (9) 2021.