Dr. William Wynn Wright was an internationally recognized expert in antibiotics and was instrumental in the transfer of antibiotic standards from FDA to USP. Following a career of 33 years at the Food and Drug Administration, during which he advanced to become deputy director of the Office of Pharmaceutical Research and Testing overseeing certification of antibiotics and insulin, Dr. Wright served for over 25 years at USP as the Scientific Liaison for the Antibiotics and Chemistry Subcommittee/ Pharmaceutical Analysis 7 Expert Committee. He also served as a U.S. representative and an expert on pharmaceutical sciences for the World Health Organization for 30 years.
In 2004, he was recognized by two associations in India for his contributions and services to the field of pharmaceutical analytical chemistry. Many were impressed by his vast knowledge of antibiotic drugs and compendial standards, but they were even more impressed by his refined and courteous manner of personal conduct.
He always made time to help others, and many within USP remember him as a mentor and friend. Dr. Wright passed away in 2006 after a long career at USP and FDA.
Published Oct 7, 2010
