Thomas A. Jennings,
Ph.D.
Dr. Jennings
received his B.A. and M.A. in chemistry from Temple University in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was awarded a Ph.D. in physical chemistry
from the Aston University located in Birmingham, England.
About 1968, while
engaged in the development of micro-circuit passive components, he was first
introduced to the subject of freeze-drying. At first, he was intrigued with how
such a seemly uncomplicated process could so greatly enhance the stability of
heat liable products such as pharmaceuticals. By 1975, his interest, fueled by
the existing literature, grew rapidly and was introduced to the term
lyophilization. Perhaps what struck him most was the apparent dichotomy that
appeared to exist between those investigators working in the field and those
using the process. In an attempt to help bridge such a gap, he formed T. A.
Jennings Associates, Inc. which later became known as Phase Technologies, Inc.
It soon became
apparent that one reason for the gap was that the publications often consisted
of a series of papers that were of interest but, on a collective basis, offered
little guidance on developing a lyophilization process for a given product. In
June of 1978, he presented his first seminar
on lyophilization whose objective was to
present the process in a logical sequence. Those attending the seminar received
a copy of his first set of "Seminar Notes".
As the popularity of his
seminar increased, he brought his message to the Parenteral Drug
Association (PDA) were he twice presented his three-day seminar with the major
portion of the fees going to support the growth of the PDA. While
the PDA decided over the years to continue to present lyophilization
courses, Dr. Jennings also presented his seminar each year and his notes
grew in volume as a result of his continued research and understanding of
the science of lyophilization. A little known fact is that all but one of Dr.
Jennings publications on
the subject of lyophilization were not supported by any outside
source of funding and he either purchased or constructed the equipment he used
in his laboratories. In essence, the major portion of the fees that Phase
Technologies, Inc. has received over the years has gone back into the
industry in the form of information and new technology. This
independence provides Dr. Jennings with a unique position in that he is
beholding to no organization and therefore can be objective in his views
regarding the lyophilization process and its associated equipment and
instrumentation. He does not regard himself as being on a crusade or mission
but merely as a scientist endeavoring to make some contribution to the science
of lyophilization.
He has been awarded numerous patents and is the author of more than 20
technical publications involving the lyophilization process and freeze-drying
equipment and instrumentation. He received the Fred Simon award for the
outstanding technical paper published in the PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical
Science and Technology for 1995. He is the author of the book Lyophilization -
Introduction and Basic Principles published by Interpharm Press in 1999. At
present, he is serving a three year term as President of the International
Society of Lyophilization - Freeze Drying, Inc.
If you wish to communicate with
Dr. Jennings, see our Contact Us
page
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