A Conversation with Dr. Anita Sy, ~ Founder of Cychem, Inc.

Who founded Cychem and why?

I founded Cychem in 1997. At the time there was a lack of outsourcing consulting services for the biopharmaceutical companies. The industry was changing rapidly and there seemed to be a need for a full service company that could bring suppliers and customers together. I decided that with my fifteen years of outsourcing experience, I could assemble a group of talented chemists that could serve both communities very well. I believe we are doing that today.

What exactly do you sell?

In the traditional sense, Cychem doesn't sell products. What we sell is in-depth knowledge of the drug development process and the capabilities and capacities of fine chemical producers. We act as another set of eyes and ears for our biopharmaceutical customers.

What sorts of concerns do customers have on outsourcing projects? How do you allay those concerns?

Past experience shows that customers have questions about adding another layer to the process. Cost can be a concern for some customers. Customers also want to know that we can safeguard their intellectual property and can get them the product that they need. We are able to allay those concerns by pointing to our process and more important, to our experience. Our customers have expressed surprise by how transparent the process is and that our bids are so competitive. The success we've had can be seen in the number of projects we've brought to successful conclusion.

Chemical outsourcing involves different companies, languages, even continents. One definition that holds true in one location might differ at another. How does Cychem prevent these kinds of misunderstandings?

That's a key role that we play in this process. The requests from our customers have to be precisely understood by our suppliers. Proposals from manufacturers must address exactly the requirements from customers. We look at this as a core issue - a value added dimension that we bring to the outsourcing process.

Let's say that you have identified a qualified supplier and have arranged a
working partnership with a customer. Is that the end of your role?

This is really just the beginning. Our job is not done until the project is
successfully completed and both manufacturer and customer are happy with the
outcome. While one of our core competencies is finding suppliers, we truly
make a difference by facilitating ongoing communications between the two
entities as the project unfolds. Problems can sometimes arise during the
course of a project and what we do is to make sure that misunderstandings
don't occur and as needed, help each side to understand the constraints of
the other party. Communication is the key to resolving conflicts so it's
important that Cychem be involved throughout the process to help facilitate a positive dialogue.

What kind of values drive Cychem?

I think the key values that drive us are the integrity and honesty of our people. Our business is based on trust, and we work very hard to earn that. We don't promise what we can't deliver. We work to build long-term relationships, so if we can't satisfy a customer on one particular project, we'd prefer to lose the short-term sale than lose the relationship.

What role do ethics play in your business?

This is absolutely critical. We are dealing with very sensitive information that is highly confidential. This information is proprietary information based on our customers' research. It is the life blood of their company. Confidential Disclosure Agreements are standard in our work and we have shown we know how to handle confidential information that is entrusted to us.

What gets the people at Cychem most excited?

Results! We get a great deal of satisfaction when our chemists are able to bring our experience, knowledge and contacts together to bring a project to the next phase. We exist to make life easier for our customers. When they succeed, we've done our job.

What is your vision for the company?