Location History:
- Osthemo Township, Kalamazoo County, MI (US) (1978)
- Kalamazoo Township, Kalamazoo County, MI (US) (1979)
- Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County, MI (US) (1979 - 1986)
- Kalamazoo, MI (US) (1981 - 1986)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1978-1986
Title: Jerry A Walker: Innovator in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Introduction
Jerry A Walker is a prominent inventor based in Oshtemo Township, MI (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of pharmaceutical chemistry, holding a total of 17 patents. His work primarily focuses on the development and improvement of processes for synthesizing important pharmaceutical compounds.
Latest Patents
Among his latest patents, Walker has developed a process improvement for preparing arylalkanoic acids, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. This innovative method involves the conversion of a selected alpha-haloketal derivative of a 1-haloethyl aryl ketone to the haloalkyl ester of the arylalkanoic acid using a zinc salt catalyst. The process includes reacting a ring-substituted 6-membered ring ketal with a soluble zinc carboxylate salt, leading to the formation of the corresponding 3-haloalkyl arylalkanoic acid ester. Furthermore, the ester is converted to the alkali metal salt of the acid with base in an aqueous/water-insoluble organic liquid mixture. The crude salt is then transformed into the corresponding acid, which is separated from the mother liquor that is recycled to recover arylalkanoic acid values. Additionally, he has developed a process to transform 17-keto steroids into corticoids in three steps, showcasing his expertise in steroid chemistry.
Career Highlights
Walker has had a distinguished career at The Upjohn Company, where he has been instrumental in advancing pharmaceutical processes. His innovative approaches have not only contributed to the efficiency of drug production but have also enhanced the quality of pharmaceutical products available in the market.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Walker has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Edward J Hessler and Sanjay I Amin. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that has led to significant advancements in their respective fields.
Conclusion
Jerry A Walker's contributions to pharmaceutical chemistry through his innovative patents and collaborative efforts have made a lasting impact on the industry. His work continues to influence the development of essential medications, underscoring the importance of innovation in healthcare.