BELLEVILLE, ON, July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX:
BNC) (ASX: BNC), a research-based, technology-driven Canadian
biopharmaceutical company, today announced that Mr. James Rae has been
appointed as independent Chairman of the Board of Directors. The
Chairman role has been performed by President & CEO, Mr. Graeme McRae.
Mr. Rae takes over the role immediately.
Mr. Rae has been the CEO of London, Ontario-based Viron Therapeutics
Inc. since 2007. He has over 30 years of experience in the
manufacturing, marketing, financial and R&D operations of both
pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. He has considerable experience
in financing from public, private and government sectors and in
deal-making with multinational companies. Following 18 years at
pharmaceutical company, Searle, latterly as CEO, he was President and
CEO of Cangene, a publicly-listed biotech company where he was
responsible for restructuring and orchestrating a reverse takeover of
the company at a significant multiple. Mr. Rae was previously Chairman
and CEO of Vaxis Therapeutics in Kingston, Ontario, Chairman and CEO of
Resolution Pharma in Toronto, Ontario and, more recently, CEO of
Cytochroma Inc., a Markham, Ontario-based biotech company which he
transitioned from a research entity into one advanced into clinical
development with a diversified product base. Mr. Rae was most recently
the Chairman of Montreal-based Aegera Therapeutics, which was acquired
by Pharmascience Inc. in late 2011. He presently holds directorships in
three Canadian biotech companies and has previous experience as a
Director on the Boards of a number of publicly-traded biotechnology
companies.
"Mr. Rae brings a wealth of sector experience to our Board of
Directors," said Mr. Graeme McRae, President & CEO of Bioniche Life
Sciences Inc. "His knowledge and network will serve the Company well as
we work to complete important R&D projects and grow revenues."
Management Changes
The Company also announced today that there have been a number of recent
changes to the senior management structure. Mr. Cameron Groome,
Executive Vice-President, Corporate & Strategic Development, Mr. Jim
Phillips, Senior Vice-President, Industry Relations, Dr. Dragan Rogan,
Chief Veterinary Scientific Officer and Dr. Gary Weber, President,
Bioniche Food Safety (U.S.) have left the Company. Mr. Michael Rubin
has joined the Company in the capacity of Vice-President, Business
Development.
About Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. is a research-based, technology-driven
Canadian biopharmaceutical company focussed on the discovery,
development, manufacturing, and marketing of proprietary and innovative
products for human and animal health markets worldwide. The
fully-integrated company employs more than 200 skilled personnel and
has three operating divisions: Human Health, Animal Health, and Food
Safety. The Company's primary goal is to develop and commercialize
products that advance human or animal health and increase shareholder
value.
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. has been named one of the Top 50 Best Small
and Medium-Sized Employers in Canada for 2011. For more information,
please visit www.Bioniche.com.
Except for historical information, this news release may contain
forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current
expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements
involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause, but are not limited
to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of
clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact
of competitive products and pricing, new product development,
uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, and other
risks detailed from time to time in the Company's ongoing quarterly and
annual reporting.
SOURCE Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.