Scientist 'honors the human spirit' with research

The fund, an independent private organization from Durham, N.C., held a dedication ceremony for an endowed chair yesterday afternoon at the Marriott University Park Hotel, 880 E. Second St.

Howard Shaeffer, former president of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and former member of the UA College of Pharmacy's National Board of Advisors, was chosen as the endowed chair for the Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Enriqueta Bond, president of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, said Shaeffer's excellence "honors the human spirit."

The endowment to the College of Pharmacy will give students new opportunities in medicine, Bond said.

The funds will help young students develop their careers and will also promote innovative research in the sciences, according to a press release about the endowment.

Among the guests at the ceremony were students, professors and staff members of the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy.

Shaeffer was chosen for his contributions as a scientist and educator, said J. Lyle Bootman, dean of the College of Pharmacy, in a press release. Shaeffer pioneered the research and development of acyclovir, a drug used to treat viral diseases such as herpes.

Acyclovir is sold under the brand name Zovirax. It was introduced in 1982 and has been sold to more than 30 million patients, making it the fourth largest selling prescription drug in the world, Shaeffer said.

"It's a partnership that we all cherish. We know it's a partnership because we all bring something to the table," Provost Paul Sypherd said.

Honoring pioneers in the pharmaceutical field is a vision the chair has evolved over the years, he said.