Frank Baldino, Cephalon leader, dies at 57

FRAZER, Pa. — Frank Baldino, the founder, chairman and CEO of Cephalon, has died, the company said.

Cephalon announced that Baldino, 57, had died Thursday evening while on medical leave, calling him a pioneer in the biotechnology industry and an inspirational leader who would be “sorely missed.” Baldino, who received his doctorate in pharmacology from Temple University, founded the company in 1987 after several years at E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co.

Cephalon spokesman Fritz Bittenbender said the company would not comment on who would take Baldino’s place out of respect for Baldino’s family, though COO Kevin Buchi had been overseeing his duties. The company had not publicly discussed Baldino’s leave of absence and would not disclose the cause of death.

“Kevin’s shown extraordinary leadership through the tough period of time for us, and his leadership will continue into the near future,” Bittenbender told Drug Store News.