PDE History
The PDE was founded in 1861. This non-profit organization has the distinction of being the longest standing, continuously running trade association in the U.S.
Back in 1861, top Big Pharma industry leaders were members of the PDE. They met to play golf and attend black tie dinners. They were pleased to grant scholarships to promising young science students. In short, they connected, had fun, and helped the region’s younger generation.
Today, the life sciences industry has evolved dramatically. There are more life sciences-related companies in our Mid-Atlantic region than ever before. Philadelphia is now commonly known as Cellicon Valley, a nod to the cell/gene therapy boom happening here. The region attracts hundreds of smart STEM students who are attracted to the region’s numerous academic institutions.
Even the vocabulary used to describe life sciences has expanded and changed. In 2023 it became increasingly clear that Philadelphia Drug Exchange no longer adequately described the group’s vision and mission. And so, with input from members and the board, the Professional Development Exchange, connecting Life Sciences was born.
Professional Development Exchange maintains the legacy “PDE” name, (which originally stood for Philadelphia Drug Exchange) and cements the organization’s best qualities: the development of young scientists through our annual scholarships, and the exchange of camaraderie and information with each other.