PPD plots 300-person operation at NC Campus

California billionaire David Murdock (photo) scored an economic development coup with today's announcement by PPD that it will set up a 300-person operation in the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. PPD's Fred Eshelman (photo) says he was won over during a trip to the $1.5 billion complex being promoted by Murdock. PPD is one of the largest contract research organizations, conducting clinical trials for pharma and biotech developers.

"After meeting with Mr. Murdock and visiting the campus, I realized this project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, where industry and academic scientists can freely collaborate to bring innovations in scientific research to market, increasing the length and quality of human life," Eshelman said Wednesday morning in an announcement.

- read the report in the Triangle Business Journal

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