In Loving Memory of Dr. Edward D. Purich

Dr. Edward D. Purich, born on August 21, 1941, in Farrell, Pennsylvania, to Edward S. Purich and Violet S. Purich, passed away on February 13, 2025. The oldest of six siblings, Dr. Purich is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean C. Purich; his children and their spouses, Anna and (Bryan) Allnutt and Skip and (Cynthia) Purich; his grandchildren, Jason Allnutt, Jake Allnutt, Zachary Purich, and Layla Purich; and his great-grandchildren, Levi Allnutt and Ella Allnutt.

A brilliant scholar, Dr. Purich’s academic journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, a Master of Science in Chemistry, and a Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutics. His academic excellence was recognized through numerous scholarships and fellowships, including the Wright Foundation Scholarship, NIH support, the American Federation of Pharmaceutical Education Fellowship, and the AFPE E. Meade Johnson Memorial Fellowship. He was also honored with awards such as the Galen Award, the George Wurdack Award, and the Locke Award.

Dr. Purich began his professional career as the head of the Drug Disposition Group in the Cancer Research Group at the Upjohn Company. A pioneer in developing flow-limited pharmacokinetic modeling and computer simulations, he helped expedite the transition from animal to human studies. His industry contributions included involvement in the preparation and approval of over 40 New Drug Applications (NDAs) and 225 Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs). Notably, he played a significant role in two orphan drug NDAs: aerosol pentamidine for HIV and gallium nitrate for reducing bone loss in cancer patients. As a consultant, he lent his expertise to more than 122 pharmaceutical companies across the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

Continuing his impactful career at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Purich was instrumental in formulating key regulations and guidelines, including CFR 320 “Bioavailability/Bioequivalence Regulations,” the NDA Rewrite of 1982, and policies on controlled-release, transdermal applications, and electronic NDAs. He supervised and reviewed over 3,900 NDA and supplemental NDA submissions and received the FDA’s Award of Merit for his outstanding contributions.

In the latter part of his career, Dr. Purich dedicated 27 years to gastroenterology research, focusing on pancreatic diseases. He founded ChiRhoClin, Inc. which developed three approved NDAs, including ChiRhoStim® (Human Secretin for Injection). Through ChiRhoClin, he promoted pancreatic disease and cancer research by supporting young physicians with starter grants, travel grants, and other programs. He was a member of several professional organizations, including the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), Drug Information Association (DIA), American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), and the American Pancreatic Association (APA). He was also a founding member of The Collaborative Alliance for Pancreatic Education and Research (CAPER), serving on its Board of Directors and the APA Foundation.  In 2014 Dr Purich helped found ChiRhoClin Research Institute, a non-profit organization to help fund small research grants for young pancreatic researchers. All donations go directly to help pancreatic researchers in their search for pancreatic disease causes and cures.

Dr. Purich was awarded four patents related to the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases and received the inaugural American Pancreatic Association Distinguished Service Award in 2012. In 2014, Dr. Purich received the Vision of Hope Award from the National Pancreas Foundation.

While Ed’s life was deeply dedicated to research and the development of pharmaceutical products, he had many other passions and hobbies. He enjoyed traveling, driving racecars in the 1960’s, collecting classic automobiles, painting, playing music, walking and meeting new people, and photography—capturing thousands of images throughout his life, many of which he entered in the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. He was a devoted supporter of the University of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and D.C. United soccer, proudly holding the title of an original D.C. United Ninety Sixers. On weekends, he could be found on the sidelines, cheering and capturing photos of his grandchildren participating in various athletic events.

Dr. Purich also dedicated time to his community, volunteering with the Cloverly Civic Association and Family Community Education. Most recently, he helped clear trees and bushes along pathways for Montgomery County Public Schools in Cloverly.

Dr. Edward D. Purich leaves behind a legacy of scientific innovation, professional excellence, and love for his family and friends. His contributions to the advancement of medical science will continue to impact lives for generations to come. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.