Indie medical advertising agency Dudnyk opened a southern California office, citing unmet need among the thousand or so biotech firms in the area.

The Philadelphia-based agency set up shop in Carlsbad, CA,  between San Diego and Los Angeles, and named Scott Greisler to lead the firm as SVP, general manager.

“Commercial development teams in biotech companies are facing increasing pressure,” Greis­ler said. “Because companies are leaner than ever, they often lack the full power of pharma marketing departments in terms of planning, strategy, or brand development. By setting up shop in close proximity to the companies who need us most, Dudnyk will be in the best position to offer expertise and work in partnership with biotech companies to bring their revolutionary brands to successful commercial launch.”

Greisler is moving from the agency’s Horsham, PA, headquarters, where he was SVP, director of client services.

The agency has positioned itself as the go-to shop for biotech branding, having launched seven commercial products in five years for biotechs. The firm has several clients in California, but hopes its move will help build out its West Coast presence.

“This move extends our physical footprint, but even more, we are excited about the opportunity to have a positive impact on the southern California biotech community,” said president Frank X. Powers.  “This region is poised to be one of the hottest growth areas in the country for biotech for the next five years.”

In other Dudnyk news, the company named Therese Heimbold, formerly of ViroPharma, director of brand strategy and appointed three creative directors: John Kemble and Tara Walther (art) and Laurie Bartolomeo (copy).