#United States #Rockville #USP #Leadership Changes #Fouad Atouf

Fouad Atouf Appointed Chief Science Officer of USP

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has made a significant change in its leadership structure by appointing Fouad Atouf, Ph.D., as its new Chief Science Officer and Chair of the USP Council of Experts, effective July 1, 2025. This announcement comes as part of a larger initiative by USP to strengthen its commitment to science-based solutions in healthcare and quality assurance.

Dr. Atouf's appointment is pivotal as he steps into the shoes of Jaap Venema, Ph.D., who is departing USP on June 30, 2025. Atouf’s experience places him at the forefront of addressing the pressing quality challenges that the pharmaceutical industry faces today, particularly in medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. He emphasizes that USP’s leadership in science is essential for developing standardized solutions that not only tackle existing issues but also anticipate future quality challenges.

In his new role, Dr. Atouf will lead a team of scientists and an independent group of experts dedicated to the development of USP public quality standards. His vision is to foster an environment of collaboration and innovation. “By bringing together our talented staff scientists and a diverse body of independent experts,” said Atouf, “we can create impactful standards that resonate with the needs of our stakeholders in a timely manner.”

Moreover, Atouf will maintain his responsibilities as the interim head of Global Biologics, an essential segment of USP’s operations, allowing him to integrate his insights into a broader strategy for quality improvement across the organization.

Advancing USP’s Mission

Alongside Atouf’s new position, Amanda Cowley, J.D., has been named Chief Growth Officer, indicating a strategic shift in how USP aims to expand its influence in the health sector. Under Cowley’s leadership, the organization plans to align its programs and strategies with the emerging needs of stakeholders worldwide. This is a critical move ensuring that USP develops innovative solutions based on scientific research to enhance quality in healthcare—especially in areas such as microbial contamination and advanced therapies like cell and gene treatment.

Cowley, who succeeds Surendra Nath Koduru, Ph.D., in the role of Chief Growth Officer, stated, “We are dedicated to developing the right science-based solutions to help safeguard patients and consumers. Together, we will focus on providing innovative reference standards that support crucial areas of health.”

Continuous Commitment

Ronald T. Piervincenzi, Ph.D., USP's Chief Executive Officer, expressed his gratitude for the contributions of the outgoing leaders and voiced optimism about the incoming officers: “As we welcome Fouad, Amanda, and Ken to their new positions, I am confident their perspectives will drive evolution in medicine quality and lead to impactful solutions for our stakeholders.”

This leadership transition signals USP's ongoing commitment to enhancing health quality standards through innovative scientific methods and teamwork. The organization continues to be a prominent figure in ensuring that quality is not merely a guideline but a standard that can be met globally.

For additional insights into USP’s efforts and their contributions to medical and health standards, the public can visit their website or reach out through their provided channels.

As a leading independent scientific organization, USP aims to increase the accessibility and quality of medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients globally. Their collaborative efforts with experts in health and science assist in developing the resources needed for a healthier future.