NEWARK, DE — Wilmington PharmaTech (WPT) has appointed Kent Payne, Ph.D., as Managing Director and Board Member, marking a key leadership addition following a recent investment from Curewell Capital, a healthcare-focused private equity firm.
Dr. Payne, an Operating Partner at Curewell Capital, will work alongside WPT Founder and CEO Hui-Yin “Harry” Li, Ph.D., to accelerate the company’s growth strategy, which includes expanding its U.S. manufacturing capacity and strengthening its chemistry and pharmaceutical development capabilities.
A veteran executive with decades of experience leading pharmaceutical services organizations from early discovery through commercialization, Dr. Payne has held leadership positions across sterile, oral, inhaled, and topical drug development. His previous roles include CEO of Aliri Bioanalysis, BioDuro-Sundia, and Socorro Pharmaceuticals. Earlier in his career, he held key leadership roles at Catalent, where he worked with Curewell Partner Michael Dal Bello, who served on Catalent’s board.
“Wilmington PharmaTech has an impressive legacy of more than 22 years providing sophisticated solutions to complex chemistry challenges that ultimately save clients time and money, including rescuing projects where other manufacturers have difficulty,” said Dr. Payne. “I’ve known and admired Dr. Li for many years. The WPT team has a proven track record enabling API value and IP creation for clients, resulting in blockbuster commercial products and longstanding relationships of trust. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Li and the team to expand WPT’s capabilities and support strategic partnerships with biopharmaceutical innovators pursuing complex synthesis, accelerated scale-up, and commercial production.”
Dr. Li said Payne’s appointment reflects the company’s next stage of growth and commitment to innovation. “Kent brings deep operational experience, commercial insight, and leadership that perfectly align with our next phase of growth,” he said. “Together with Curewell Capital, we are accelerating our plans to expand our specialized U.S. development and manufacturing capacity and capabilities. This will enable us to better serve biopharmaceutical innovators seeking reliable U.S.-based partners with deep chemistry expertise and flexible manufacturing infrastructure, and to further our mission of helping advance innovative, life-changing therapies.”
The appointment highlights WPT’s broader mission to strengthen its role as a trusted partner to biopharma companies seeking complex synthesis and advanced manufacturing solutions across the drug development lifecycle.
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