THE boss of a medical firm has announced his shock departure.

Andrew Scaife, chief executive at Quantum Pharma, is leaving due to family reasons.

Officials say he will remain in post until a successor is found.

Mr Scaife has overseen the considerable growth of Quantum, which is based in Burnopfield, near Stanley, County Durham, and is known for supplying custom prescriptions.

With a vast programme of more than 30,000 products, which include methadone reefers and remedies aimed at countering vitamin deficiencies, it has also launched the Mucodis range to support patients’ through the side-effects of cancer treatment.

Earlier this year, Mr Scaife revealed Quantum, which employs about 250 people in the region, was adding to its offering after receiving approval for the Biodose Connect device, which it says could save the NHS millions of pounds by remotely monitoring if people are taking medicines as prescribed.

However, its future will be directed by a new leader after Mr Scaife tendered his resignation.

The surprise announcement was made in a trading update ahead of Quantum’s annual general meeting, where John Clarke, chairman, moved to reassure shareholders the business was well placed to continue its growth.

Mr Clarke said the firm expects to release further products in the second half of the year and reiterated both Mucodis, which earlier this week launched a spray aimed at preventing skin damage caused by radiation, and Biodose will be crucial to its success.

He said: “Trading in the first half of the year has been in line with expectations and we expect to announce a number of further Mucodis launches across the remainder of this financial year.

“We have received class one medical device status for Biodose Connect, which is now ready for patient use and we can start our commercial strategy.

“Our performance will be second half weighted as we bring our products to the market, and, as this is progressing well, we are positive about the outlook.”

Mr Clarke also thanked Mr Scaife for his contribution at Quantum, which included being at the helm for its flotation on the Alternative Investment Market in 2014.

He added: “Andrew has been instrumental to the group’s growth and direction, and, on behalf of the board, I would like to wish him the best for his future career.”

Mucodis, overseen by Quantum’s Colonis division that develops medicines, also includes a mouthwash to alleviate sores caused by chemotherapy and radiation and a spray to counter mouth inflammation.