It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of James Arnold Stead, formally head of pharmaceutical development at Roussel Laboratories, Swindon, following a short illness.
Arnold, as he was known to his friends, was born in Yorkshire. He qualified as a pharmacist in 1964 following studies at Bradford University. In 1967 he completed his PhD and began his career in the pharmaceutical industry.
He led the team developing Gaviscon at Reckitt and Colman before joining Roussel Laboratories in 1970 at the new Swindon site. In 1975, Arnold was promoted to head of formulation and again in 1978 to head of pharmaceutical development.
As head of pharmaceutical development, Arnold was responsible for the management of the development of new chemical entities and modified-release forms in a wide range of currently marketed products. Arnold also developed a personal expertise in dissolution testing, in vitro–in vivo relationships and pioneered work on very long-acting controlled release systems utilising silicone polymers.
Following the closure of research and development at Hoechst Marion Roussel in the UK, Arnold became an independent consultant specialising in the preparation of quality overall summaries, review and guidance in chemistry, manufacturing and control regulatory documentation and lecturing to continuing education groups.
As a respected scientist, Arnold was invited to lead the dissolution workshop at the 7th European Seminar on Quality Control in The Pharmaceutical Industry, held in 1986 in Basle, Switzerland and a round-table discussion on the regulatory implications of dissolution testing at European Organization for Quality conference, held in Berne in 1985. Arnold was also expert advisor to the World Health Organization’s task force on long-acting contraceptives.
Arnold’s distinguished career was marked by the designations of chartered scientist, chartered chemist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, EC Qualified Person and the publication of more than 20 peer-reviewed research papers — notably in the fields of dissolution, bioavailability, in vitro–in vivo correlations and physical pharmacy.
As a manager, Arnold was fair, positive, full of encouragement and a highly valued colleague and friend.
We extend our condolences to his daughter, Ginette; son, Anthony; and partner, Julie. Arnold will be deeply missed by all family and friends.
The funeral will take place at Kingsdown Crematorium, Swindon on Friday 8 November at 14:15.
David Badcott, John Bloor, Geoffrey Hayes and Shohre Nabahi