The foundation of The University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals (UIP) started in 1905 when the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy began dispensing medications for use in the University of Iowa Hospital and began manufacturing various non-drug products (such as flavorings, cleansing agents, and soaps).  In 1928 the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Drug Service was formed and began manufacturing a wide range of drug products for use in the University of Iowa Hospital.  In the early 1960’s when the College of Pharmacy moved to a new building the College of Pharmacy Drug Service became known as the College of Pharmacy Division of Pharmaceutical Service and greatly expanded its operations.  In the early 1970's Pharmaceutical Service began moving towards cGMP compliance and, once this was achieved, formally registered with the FDA.  In July 1974 Pharmaceutical Service began producing cGMP compliant clinical materials for client organizations outside of the University of Iowa umbrella.  Pharmaceutical Service's first client was the National Cancer Institute.  In 1992 the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy formed a second contract pharmaceutical service unit, the Center for Advanced Drug Development.  The focus of this new operation was the provision of contract analytical and formulation development services to client organizations outside of the University of Iowa.  Both groups steadily grew over the ensuing years. In March of 2008 the two groups were merged into University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals to form a combined organization better able to serve their customers' needs.

UIP currently occupies 24,000 square feet on the ground floor of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and 8,000 square feet at the University of Iowa Research Park.  Current full time staff consists of approximately 65 pharmaceutical professionals.  The senior staff average over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development.  In addition to our full time staff, UIP has ready access to the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy pharmaceutics faculty for collaboration.  Faculty members specialize in areas such as transdermal drug delivery, mucosal delivery systems, nanoparticulate  systems, and pre-formulation studies. This relationship is formalized as The University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals Development Consortium or UIPDC.