DOWNINGTOWN—Ben and Michael Briggs, a father and son duo of compounding pharmacists and nutritionists, are celebrating 40 years in Chester County at their family-owned and operated Lionville Natural Pharmacy.
“I went into the pharmacy profession to help people,” said Ben, who worked as an intern, staff pharmacist and manager for several other pharmacies after graduation from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Sciences. “It is my professional and moral duty to make sure that all prescriptions and supplements are safe and effective before dispensing.”
The Pharmacy, founded in 1979, moved to a larger facility at Route 113 and Whitford Hills Road from 1987-1992. The pharmacy expanded into an Integrative Pharmacy Practice, adding Homeopathics, Vitamins, Nutritionals and Herbal preparations.
At the end of 1992, the pharmacy moved again to an even larger space at Route 113 and Gordon Drive, becoming Lionville Natural Pharmacy and Health Food Store.
“Our Mission changed to Creating Healing Awareness by Integrating Alternative & Traditional Medicine,” saod Ben.
From 1992-2015 the facility expanded to include a Holistic Health Center, Seminar/Education center with Holistic Practitioners and presentations by many practitioners and Physicians.
During this time, the compounding lab was upgraded to facilitate custom compounded medications for humans, including Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement, Thyroid compounds, tick-borne disease, hypoallergenic preparations, pediatric dosages and Veterinary medications.
“Compounding is Personalized Precision Medicine,” said Michael, who graduated from the University of Sciences in Philadelphia in 1999 and joined the practice, later becoming manager. He now oversees the day to day activities. He has obtained his Certifications as Veterinary Compounding Pharmacist, Certified Nutritional Consultant (CNC) and recently completed Certification from the International Center for Cannabinoid Therapy (ICCT).
In the Fall of 2015, the Briggs’ were able to purchase a vacant bank across the street and transform it into a “permanent place to call home”, says Michael. The compounding lab facility was upgraded to meet current FDA and PA State Board of Pharmacy regulations and is now licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Ben produced and hosted a weekly Radio Show “Health Focus” for 14 years. Both Ben and Michael have published numerous articles in journals and periodicals, presented seminars throughout the region and on our website.
“We are an educational resource for physicians, nurses, Holistic practitioners and the general public” says Michael. “There is an abundance of non-credible information available to the layperson today and we strive to stay on top of the latest research & data.”
The pharmacy has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives for distinguished service and voted Best Pharmacy by the Daily Local News and Mainline Today magazine numerous times.