WIL Research Laboratories

During Holson's tenure, WIL Research continuously expanded its scientific capabilities, facilities, and staffing levels. During this period, the company grew from a limited mammalian toxicology research laboratory into a robust interdisciplinary CRO offering developmental and reproductive toxicology, neurotoxicology, inhalation toxicology, developmental neurotoxicology, large animal toxicology, juvenile toxicology, safety pharmacology, metabolism, analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, and formulation services to a globally diverse client base.[9] Underpinning the continuous expansion of service capabilities was a steady expansion of the company's facilities from approximately 30,000 square feet to more than 300,000 square feet of dedicated laboratory, vivarium, and support services space.[7]

At the heart of Dr. Holson's vision, though, was a drive to continually deepen the company's talent pool, as the number of employees in Ashland grew from 31 to more than 600. Joseph Holson was well-known as an energetic, outgoing leader with a vision for the company that revolved around the success of his staff and ongoing recruitment efforts.[7] Critical to the success of WIL Research was a continuous investment in staff training, as new biologists typically underwent a 9-12 month training period and all employees regularly completed continuing education not only in their specific areas of expertise but also in the subjects of animal care and welfare, Good Laboratory Practices, and research integrity.[7][8] Many of the internal training programs developed at WIL Research were highly regarded and requested by clients and industry partners.

A key driver of WIL's steady growth was its study director-centric business model, which viewed each study director as an individual business unit with scientific, project management, and marketing responsibilities. This approach was in contrast to the typical division within CROs between science and marketing. WIL Research emphasized direct scientist-to-scientist interaction as much as possible across the entire scope of each project, which gained the company numerous accolades from its clients.[10] Examples of the types of projects undertaken by WIL Research included studies of drugs for the treatment of herpes, Alzheimers' disease, glaucoma, cancer, and AIDS, numerous pesticides, and replacement chemicals for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons in fire extinguishers.[8]

Although highly respected in many disciplines, WIL Research was considered by many to be the leading laboratory in the world for developmental and reproductive toxicology (DART).[3] This leadership was driven by Dr. Joseph Holson, an internationally recognized authority in the field. The DART division at WIL Research, led initially by Dr. Holson and subsequently by Mr. Mark D. Nemec and Dr. Donald G. Stump, became known not only for high-quality regulatory guideline studies, but also for innovative, specialized DART research.

In 1978, as a result of expanding toxicology testing services, the WIL Toxicology Data Management System (WTDMS™) was developed.[6] This protocol-driven software system was the first in the CRO industry and became the prototype for other major toxicology testing laboratories.[8] WTDMS™ was licensed to several other toxicology testing laboratories, and was used continuously by WIL Research Laboratories for nearly forty years prior to its gradual replacement by the Provantis system.[11]

While WIL Research depended on the broader Ashland area for a steady supply of qualified personnel, it also contributed extensively to Ashland's economic growth, becoming one of the largest employers in the county.[5][7][10] During Holson's tenure, the company invested approximately $62 million in facilities renovation and expansion. In a talk given to the local Rotary club, Holson added that WIL Research at that time served approximately 550 clients (domestic and international), most of whom regularly visited Ashland to monitor their studies. In 2006, WIL Research received the Golden Oak award from the mayor of Ashland, an award recognizing "the foresight, diligence and unselfishness of individuals or organizations who contribute to new growth, strengthen the roots or improve the overall community of Ashland."[12]

WIL Research also actively supported Ashland University, with many of its senior scientists serving as adjunct professors in their areas of expertise, especially in the undergraduate toxicology program, which the company helped begin in 1984.[8][13][14] Dr. Joseph Holson also served on Ashland University's Science Advisory Board (1990-2008) and Board of Trustees (1993-1998), and gave the initial lecture, entitled "Risk and Regulation," of a year-long lecture series in support of the university's Environmental Studies program in 1995.[15]