January 2023 Newsletter

2022: A Year in Review

2022 was a big year for ChiRhoClin. We celebrated the launch of a new website, implemented new ideas in our organizational structure, broadened our reach in the GI community and capitalized on key opportunities.

Among other changes, 2022 marked a turning point in the company’s vision. C.E.O. Skip Purich shares his thoughts on ChiRhoClin’s past and looks ahead to the company’s future in this issue of the CRC Newsletter.

The Orphan Theranostics Company

For over three decades, ChiRhoClin has been serving the needs of patients with serious pancreatic and gastrointestinal diseases. Today, it remains the smallest family run pharmaceutical company in the United States, serving healthcare professionals around the world. C.E.O. Skip Purich looked back on the major events of 2022, and provided a glimpse into the future of ChiRhoClin.

WHAT WAS THE ACHIEVEMENT YOU WERE MOST PROUD OF IN 2022?
The ChiRhoClin team put tremendous work into the rebranding efforts, and I couldn’t be prouder with the result. This is our first rebranding in over 20 years, and we’re looking to capitalize on this new direction and focusing on future endeavors.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WAS THE GREATEST OBSTACLE CHIRHOCLIN ENCOUNTERED IN 2022?
Many industries continue to feel the impact of COVID- 19. The shockwaves to the global economic supply chain and the transition back to normal beyond the pandemic has made it difficult for every pharmaceutical manufacturer.

LOOKING BACK AS C.E.O., HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARIZE THE EXPERIENCES ENCOUNTERED IN 2022?
We did a lot of reflecting and reorganizing. Our research brought us more information about the general pancreatic and gastrointestinal market. This time of reflection provided some clarity where to spot opportunities.

WHAT ARE SOME LESSONS/TAKEAWAYS FROM 2022 THAT YOU HOPE TO IMPLEMENT IN THE COMPANY’S FUTURE?
The transition from a traditional workforce to a hybrid version has led to a lot of insight on how to effectively implement people and services. The confluence of managing this new era has been an exciting and humbling experience.

LOOKING BACK AT WHERE CHIRHOCLIN STARTED TO WHERE IT IS TODAY, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED BEING AT THIS POINT? HOW DOES IT FEEL LOOKING BACK AT THE ORIGINS OF THE COMPANY AND COMPARING IT TO THE PRESENT?
From our beginnings as a virtual corporation to building an orphan drug pharmaceutical manufacturing company, it has been an exhilarating experience for all the individuals who have been a part of it for the last 30 years.

We started as a family run pharmaceutical company and we’re continuing to build on those traditions as we move forward. We’re excited to be an integral part of the pancreatic community and we want to continue supporting that community with additional products and services tailored to the gastrointestinal, radiological, pediatric, and pharmaceutical market.

A COMBINATION OF THE TERMS THERAPEUTICS AND DIAGNOSTICS, THERANOSTICS IS THE CULMINATION OF MANY YEARS OF HARD WORK, DETERMINATION, AND INNOVATION. ALONG WITH THE REBRANDING, CHIRHOCLIN, INC. IS NOW PIVOTING TOWARDS THIS IDEA AS AN INTEGRAL PART IN THE COMPANY’S MESSAGE; HOW DID YOU ARRIVE AT THE CONCEPT OF THERANOSTICS?
ChiRhoClin has always been excited about what’s next in the realm of pharmaceuticals. We ask ourselves what’s possible. What’s right around the corner?

We started looking at our product inventory over the years. As a result, we saw how it morphed into being not just a diagnostic product for the pancreas, but a tool that could assist gastroenterologists in ERCP procedures.

In fact, there are many multi-use drug products that are available, and many still need to be developed. We want to merge those products to make it easier for the medical community to use. Having a product that has diagnostic and therapeutic actions all in one is an extremely beneficial asset to treating and diagnosing diseases. At this moment, the only word that can categorize that is theranostics. Going forward, ChiRhoClin will focus on products that combine multiple uses and have the greatest utility for small patient populations.

ChiRhoClin: Beginnings

Founded in 1991 as a Maryland based virtual corporation, ChiRhoClin, Inc was initially set up with the idea of chirality as a template for the company’s goals. Through the years, ChiRhoClin has expanded and adapted this concept as it transitioned into a pharmaceutical consultant company to eventually being approved to manufacture and market ChiRhoStim® Synthetic Human Secretin in 2004.

A Look Ahead

ChiRhoClin has experienced much since its initial founding. Most recently, the ongoing global pandemic has introduced yet another facet in the ever-changing climate of pharmaceuticals. Despite the hurdles, the future for ChiRhoClin looks bright. C.E.O. Skip Purich concluded the interview with the following predictions.

WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE BEING A MAJOR OPPORTUNITY FOR CHIRHOCLIN IN 2023?
I think genetic testing and fluid analysis is going to be big in the next few years. There’s a tremendous amount of growth in this area, with companies and researchers discovering genetic panels that identify markers of pancreatic disease and cancer. ChiRhoClin will have a role in helping out with their fluid collection. Additionally, there will be continued growth in imaging and an increase in Secretin use as a useful tool to facilitate cannulation during ERCP.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS FOR THE YOUNG RESEARCHERS/FELLOWS ENTERING THE FIELD THIS COMING YEAR?
ChiRhoClin is always excited to help young researchers and fellows in the field of Pancreatology.
If you are looking to apply for a small starter grant to get your research going, please look for us at the National Pancreas Foundation Fellow Symposium, American Pancreatic Association, DDW and ACG.
You can also visit the Resources page on our website for more information on funding, grants, and opportunities. We are honored to hear your proposals and see how we can help with some funding.

Future Events

January 26 – 29
2023 Cedars-Sinai International Endoscopy Symposium | Cedars-Sinai Harvey Morse Conference Center | Los Angeles, CA

February 26 – March 03
2023 Society for Abdominal Radiology Annual Meeting | Fairmont Austin | Austin, TX

Contact Wade Schoenecker for more information on where to find us!