Micrologix Announces Executive Appointments
Trading Symbol
TSE: MBI
US OTC: MGIXF
VANCOUVER, April 2 /CNW/ - Micrologix Biotech Inc. is pleased to announce
the following senior management appointments:
Arthur J. Ayres, CA Vice President, Finance & Administration
and CFO
C. Robert Cory, Ph.D., MBA Vice President, Business Development
H. David Friedland, M.D. Vice President, Clinical Development
Patricia J. McNicol, Ph.D Vice President, Research
"It gives me great pleasure to see these dedicated professionals assume
greater responsibility within the company," said William J. (Bud) Foran,
President, CEO and Chairman of Micrologix. "Collectively, this group has
served Micrologix for more than 20 years and we have benefited enormously from
their expertise. We look forward to their continued contributions as
Micrologix advances the commercialization of its novel anti-infectives."
Mr. Ayres joined Micrologix in November 1994 as Controller and was
appointed Director of Finance in February 2000. He is a Chartered Accountant
and has a B.A. (Hon.) in Commerce and Computer Science from Simon Fraser
University. With more than 19 years of management, finance and related
experience, Mr. Ayres has played a vital role in Micrologix's management team
including assisting in raising over $75 million and the listing of
Micrologix's shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange. In addition to overseeing
the business affairs of Micrologix, Mr. Ayres will direct Micrologix's
financial strategy with emphasis on generating shareholder value and ensuring
Micrologix remains well capitalized.
Dr. Cory joined Micrologix in May 1995 as Manager, Business Development
and was appointed Director, Business Development in November 1998. He has over
10 years of experience in both technical and managerial positions in
biotechnology and health science. Dr. Cory holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from
the University of Waterloo and an MBA in finance and strategic planning from
the Wilfrid Laurier School of Business and Economics. In addition to managing
Micrologix's intellectual property portfolio, Dr. Cory directs the
implementation of Micrologix's partnering strategy and is actively involved in
sourcing and negotiating with potential industry partners and collaborators.
With his joint backgrounds in science and business Dr. Cory contributes
significantly to the Company's commercialization activities.
Dr. Friedland joined Micrologix in January 1997 as Head, Preclinical
Development and was appointed Director, Clinical Development in October 1999.
After receiving his M.D., Dr. Friedland specialized in Medical Microbiology
and received his Master of Medicine (MMED) from the University of the
Witwatersrand, South Africa. He has 10 years of experience in clinical
medicine, specializing in infectious disease. Dr. Friedland has been integral
in advancing Micrologix's three drug candidates into clinical trials,
including obtaining fast track designation from the FDA on the Company's lead
product, MBI 226, currently in Phase III clinical trials. His responsibilities
include directing Micrologix's clinical programs, interacting with the FDA and
supervising the contract research organizations that conduct studies on
Micrologix's behalf.
Dr. McNicol joined Micrologix in January 1997 as Group Leader,
Microbiology. She was appointed Director of Research (Acting) in November 1998
and Director of Research in October 1999. She holds a Ph.D. in Medical
Microbiology from the University of Manitoba. Prior to joining Micrologix, Dr.
McNicol spent 12 years in progressively senior research and administrative
positions in academic and public health science organizations working in the
fields of molecular virology, epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance. She
leads the Company's research program, including drug discovery, drug delivery
and support of products in clinical trials. In addition, Dr. McNicol is
involved in discussions with potential collaborators and partners from a
research perspective.
About Micrologix
Micrologix develops novel drugs targeted at severe and life-threatening
diseases - particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The
Company's portfolio of antibiotic drug candidates is based on improved analogs
of naturally occurring cationic peptides found in the host defense systems of
most life forms. Micrologix currently has three drugs in clinical trials in
the United States: MBI 226 for preventing catheter-related bloodstream
infections in Phase III clinical trials; MBI 594AN for treating acne in Phase
II; and MBI 853NL for preventing hospital-acquired Staphylococcus aureus
infections in Phase I. The Company's common shares are included in the TSE 300
Composite Index.
"William J. Foran"
-------------------------------
William J. (Bud) Foran
Chairman, President and CEO
The foregoing news release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
All statements other than statements of historical fact may be deemed to be
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements frequently, but not
always use the words "expects", "anticipates", "suggests", "plans", "believes"
or "intends", or similar words and/or include statements concerning the
Company's strategies, goals and plans, or state that certain actions, events
or results "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of the company,
or industry results, to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such
factors include, among others, those described in the Company's annual report
on Form 20-F, including the following: uncertainties related to early stage of
development, technology and product development; dependence on future
corporate collaborations; dependence on proprietary technology and uncertainty
of patent protection; management of growth; future capital needs and
uncertainty of additional funding; intense competition; manufacturing and
market uncertainties; government regulation; product liability exposure and
insurability.
The Toronto Stock Exchange and the Canadian Venture Exchange have not
reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
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For further information: Investor & Media Relations Contacts: Arthur J.
Ayres, Micrologix Biotech Inc., Toll-Free: (800) 665-1968, Fax:
(604) 221-9688, Email: aayres@mbiotech.com; Marla Gale, Fleishman-Hillard
Canada Inc., Telephone: (416) 214-0701, Fax: (416) 214-0720, E-mail:
galem@fleishman.com; Website www.mbiotech.com
Not exactly what I was looking for!
Carter B. |
