Joseph J. Ruvane Jr, a pioneer in the pharmaceuticals industry who helped make Glaxo Inc. the fastest-growing major drug company in the United States, has died. He was 75.
Ruvane, who died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer, retired in 1988 as president and later chairman and chief executive of Glaxo, which sells the anti-ulcer drug Zantac. The company now operates as Glaxo Wellcome Inc. in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
``Joe was one of the true visionaries in our industry,'' said Robert A. Ingram, chief executive of Glaxo Wellcome. ``He combined a keen business sense with a keen sense of caring about patients and people.''
Ruvane helped establish the first joint-promotional effort between two U.S. pharmaceutical companies. The pact he forged in 1983 between Glaxo and Hoffmann LaRoche Inc. tripled the marketing power of his company and allowed Glaxo to successfully compete with SmithKline Beecham Corp., paving the way for Zantac's success.
In the early 1980s, Ruvane spearheaded the firm's move from Florida to the Research Triangle Park, where the company established a new headquarters that included research and manufacturing facilities.
In 1986, he was named chairman and CEO of the company, and his responsibilities expanded to include the firm's Central and South American operations.
During his tenure, Glaxo contributed more than $4 million to cultural, social, and educational causes in the region including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and Durham's city and county schools. In 1990, Ruvane's efforts earned him the Greater Chamber of Commerce Civic Honor Award, the organization's highest honor.
Ruvane retired from Glaxo in 1988, but remained a key player in the industry.
From 1991 to 1994, Ruvane served as chairman of the multimillion dollar, Durham-based Sphinx Pharmaceuticals.
Most recently, Ruvane co-founded Pozen Inc., a drug development company, with former Glaxo executives John Plachetka and Peter Wise. Last month, the company began moving toward a public stock offering.
Ruvane's career in the pharmaceutical industry spanned 50 years. Prior to joining Glaxo, Ruvane served as president of New Jersey-based Organon, Inc., from 1971 to 1981.
Ruvane is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joan Ruvane; six children and seven grandchildren.