Ritedose Honored With Life Sciences Organizational Contribution Award by SCbio

(From left to right: James Chappell, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, SCbio; Jody Chastain, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Ritedose Corporation; and Dan Nodes, Chief Operating Officer, Vanta Diagnostics, and SCbio Board Chair)

SOUTH CAROLINA – February 18, 2026 – The Ritedose Corporation was honored with the 2026 S.C. Life Sciences Pinnacle Award for Organizational Contribution by SCbio during the Life + Science Conference in Charleston today.

SCbio gathered more than 400 life science leaders from across South Carolina and the United States in Charleston for the largest one-day industry event in the Palmetto State, recognizing contributors who have sparked success, inspired leadership, and propelled the ecosystem.

The S.C. Life Sciences Pinnacle Award for Organizational Contribution recognizes an entity whose performance over time has exemplified visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to innovation, and a deep dedication to advancing the life sciences sector –  delivering superior outcomes, elevating its workforce, and enriching communities across South Carolina, extending its influence well beyond state borders to inspire progress on a national scale.

“Ritedose is one of many companies behind the life sciences industry’s $20.1 billion annual impact on South Carolina’s economy,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell, Ph.D. The success and expansion of this manufacturer, under Jody’s leadership, have created jobs that will increase the production of vital medications for patients across the nation, and I am proud to recognize Ritedose with this year’s Pinnacle Award.”

“We are honored to receive the S.C. Life Sciences Pinnacle Award for Organizational Contribution. This recognition reflects the collective commitment of the entire Ritedose team to do things the right way, every day. We continue to invest in our capabilities and our community, from expanding our facilities to our team serving the communities we call home, to pledging one million doses of essential respiratory medicines through our partnership with Dispensary of Hope. We are grateful for this honor and excited to continue making a positive impact in South Carolina’s life sciences community,” said President and CEO of Ritedose Jody Chastain.

Ritedose is the largest sterile contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) in the US specializing in sterile Blow Fill Seal (BFS) technology that ensures sterile, consistent, and safe unit dose delivery. The company’s process guides the development of molecules from clinical trials to commercialization of branded and generic inhalation and ophthalmic medications. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Ritedose partners with leading pharmaceutical companies to deliver safe, effective, and reliable medications that improve patient outcomes.

SCbio is the definitive, unifying leader in South Carolina’s life sciences sector, fostering authentic collaboration and innovation across academia, startups, government and established enterprises. As a member-driven economic development organization, SCbio represents an industry that generates $20.1 billion in annual economic impact and supports 63,000 jobs across South Carolina. Our members are unified by a mission to positively impact humanity through science across the ecosystem of advanced and specialty manufacturing; digital health and the data frontier; and cutting-edge health specializations. For additional information about SCbio and the life sciences industry, or to become a member, visit SCbio.org.

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.