James S. MacDonald, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President
Preclinical Development
Schering-Plough Research Institute
Schering-Plough Corporation
Kenilworth, New Jersey

James S. MacDonald, Ph.D., is Executive Vice President, Preclinical Development for Schering-Plough Research Institute, the pharmaceutical arm of Schering-Plough Corporation.

In addition to his direct responsibility for the Drug Safety and Metabolism group, Dr. MacDonald is responsible for directing the activities surrounding the movement of new potential therapeutic entities from discovery research to proof of concept in human trials and into and through the development process.  This position is responsible for assuring a steady flow of new compounds for the development pipeline by establishing effective working relationships with the appropriate groups in Discovery, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Global Clinical Research.  This function is coordinated through the Early Development Committee which he chairs. 

A particular focus of his remains the assessment of potential human risk of carcinogenesis from chemical exposure.  His interest in understanding mechanisms of toxicity and the implications of findings in animal studies for human risk continues from his previous experience with the Merck Research Laboratories.  From 1977 to 1994 he held positions of increasing responsibility in this organization including Executive Director of Toxicology in the Department of Safety Assessment.  Dr. MacDonald came to Merck after completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University.  He received his Ph.D. degree in toxicology in 1975 from the University of Cincinnati and became a diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology in 1980.