NPS Pharmaceuticals: new milestone, new digs SLC company: It opens the doors of its headquarters at U.’s research park

From the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows of his new conference room, NPS Pharmaceuticals co-founder Hunter Jackson took in a panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley – and offered a glimpse of his company’s future.

"I’ve always been proud of this company and its employees, and as time goes by, even more so. We are accomplishing our mission to make new, beneficial medicines," Jackson said Friday, just moments before joining hundreds of well-wishers to officially christen NPS’ $14 million, 100,000-square-foot headquarters.

The three-level sandstone, brick-and-glass structure rests just down slope of the Lake Bonneville Shoreline Trail and is a short walk from Red Butte Canyon. About 200 of NPS’ 375 employees moved in to the new headquarter over the New Year’s weekend, almost exactly one year from its January 2004 groundbreaking.

"This is a great day, a gratifying milestone," Jackson smiled. "But the proudest moment thus far for me still is the launching of our first drug to reach market. Preos will be our second, and we have a good line of other [drugs] falling in behind."

Senispar, targeted at ailments specific to kidney dialysis and renal diseases, was taken to market in April 2004 by NPS partner Amgen. With Preos, NPS flagship osteoporosis compound and a potential market blockbuster, Jackson plans to maintain sales control.

By Bob Mims
The Salt Lake Tribune

Full Story: http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_2663711