Bob brings tremendous experience and perspective in complex peptide synthesis to NEP
Gardner, Mass. (PRWEB) September 30, 2008
New England Peptide, LLC (NEP), has named Robert P. Hammer, Ph.D., director of chemical development.
Hammer comes to NEP from Louisiana State University (LSU), where he was the William A. Pryor professor of chemistry since 2006. Prior to 2006, he held assistant professor, associate professor, and professor positions in chemistry at the university. Before his work at LSU, Hammer completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich.
During his tenure at LSU, Hammer served as principal investigator on a number of grants from organizations including the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He also received an NIH senior research fellowship at Purdue University, during sabbatical from LSU.
The new director is the recipient of a dozen major national and international honors and awards, including the LSU Distinguished Faculty Award; LSU College of Basic Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award; and the Lee Irvin Smith Award for High Ability and Leadership in Organic Chemistry (University of Minnesota).
Hammer is the author of nearly 100 scientific papers, including 59 research articles in refereed journals. He also has participated in the preparation of more than 60 abstracts and meeting contributions, is a frequent lecturer and holds 12 patents. His research has focused on the design, synthesis, and biophysical and biological evaluation of peptide and nucleic acid analogs, and the development of near-infrared dyes for bioconjugation. In 2006, his work on peptide analogues for inhibiting amyloid protein aggregation was recognized as part of the Scientific American 50.
A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Hammer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, with distinction, from the University of Illinois, and a doctoral degree in organic chemistry from the University of Minnesota, where he worked with research advisor George Barany, Ph.D. Barany studied under Bruce Merrifield, the American biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1984 for the invention of solid phase peptide synthesis.
"Bob brings tremendous experience and perspective in complex peptide synthesis to NEP," says Dave Robinson, NEP's CEO. "His background and research expertise perfectly complement NEP's focus on delivering discovery and preclinical services, and preparation to move into the clinical and commercial-grade peptide markets. His style and thought leadership fit well with NEP's emphasis on quality, service and culture of continuous improvement."
New England Peptide (http://www.newenglandpeptide.com), founded in 1998, designs and produces custom peptides and polyclonal antibodies for drug and vaccine discovery organizations worldwide. Headquartered in the Boston metro area in Gardner, Mass., the company's chemists and immunological experts specialize in delivering a full range of services for biotech and pharmaceutical applications.
Peptides are small proteins that play key roles in biochemical regulation of all life systems, helping to fight diseases as diverse as cancer, diabetes, obesity and HIV/AIDS. Peptides' inherent low toxicity and high potency, coupled with improved drug delivery methods and enhanced manufacturing capabilities, are fueling a surge in research and clinical use. All segments of the peptide market - from therapeutics and vaccines to diagnostics and cosmetics - are thriving.
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