YNSORB Biotech Inc. Appoints New Director
CALGARY, ALBERTA--SYNSORB Biotech Inc. today announced the
appointment of Andre G. Pernet, Ph.D., formerly with Abbott
Laboratories, to the Company's Board of Directors.
Dr. Pernet most recently served as corporate officer and Vice
President, Pharmaceutical Products Research and Development for
Abbott Laboratories heading an organization of 2700 scientists
with an annual budget responsibility of US$600 million.
Among his accomplishments while at Abbott is the worldwide
development of the antibiotic Biaxin (clarithromycin) the sales of
which peaked at $1.2 billion. Dr. Pernet also spearheaded the
AIDS research program at Abbott and developed Norvir, one of the
three breakthrough protease inhibitors which together reduced
mortality in AIDS patients by 74 percent. In February 1999,
Pernet's team was awarded the Prix Galien International, which is
considered the highest distinction for medical and scientific
contribution.
After 26 years of service, Dr. Pernet recently retired from Abbott
Laboratories and is currently serving on the Board of Directors of
Celeris Corporation and Stern Cell Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
"Dr. Pernet brings a wealth of experience in pharmaceutical
product development to our Board," said Dr. Brad Thompson,
Executive Chairman of the Board in announcing the appointment.
"His presence represents an important element in the future growth
and success of SYNSORB."
SYNSORB is dedicated to accelerated drug development from the
acquisition of promising compounds emerging from basic research
through clinical development, and ultimately to providing channels
to market for new discoveries. Headquartered in Calgary, SYNSORB
currently has two products in late stage clinical development,
SYNSORB Pk(R) for the prevention of HUS and the treatment of
verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) infections (including O157:H7), and
SYNSORB Cd(R) designed to treat recurrent antibiotic-associated
diarrhea (CDAD). SYNSORB has additional compounds in pre-clinical
development, including REOSYN, a potential cancer treatment being
developed within its subsidiary company, Oncolytics Biotech Inc.,
and novel antibiotics, with inflammation and anti-virals targeted
in the Company's research and development program.
Shares of SYNSORB Biotech Inc. trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange
in Canada (symbol "SYB") and on NASDAQ in the United States
(ticker "SYBB").
This release contains certain forward-looking statements which
involve known and unknown risks, delays, uncertainties and other
factors not under the Company's control which may cause actual
results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from the results, performance or other
expectations implied by these forward-looking statements. These
factors include results of current or pending clinical trials,
actions by the FDA/HPB and those factors detailed in the Company's
registration statement on Form 20 F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
The Equicom Group
Jason Hogan
Investor Relations
(416) 815-0700 ex 222
(416) 815-0080 (FAX)
jhogan@equicomgroup.com
synsorb.com
or
SYNSORB Biotech Inc.
Dr. Brad Thompson
Executive Chairman of the Board
(403) 283-5900
(403) 283-5907 (FAX)
synsorb.com |
