Heiner Dreismann, PhD, Laurence R. McCarthy, PhD, and Stuart A. Auerbach Join Magellan Biosciences, Inc.'s Board of Directors

CHELMSFORD, Mass., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Magellan Biosciences, an emerging leader in clinical-diagnostics markets worldwide, announced that three new directors have joined its board: Heiner Dreismann, PhD, former president and CEO of Roche Molecular Diagnostics (RMD), a pioneer in PCR-based (polymerase chain reaction) molecular diagnostic tests and division of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; Laurence R. McCarthy, PhD, former president and CEO of Focus Diagnostics, Inc., a developer of novel assays and diagnostic-testing services, now a subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics; and Stuart A. Auerbach, a general partner at Magellan's primary equity sponsor, Ampersand Ventures. Mr. Auerbach replaces Ampersand's previous board representative, Peter Parker, who has left Ampersand to assume an operating role at another portfolio company.

"Demographic, economic, and healthcare trends - such as the aging population, the continuous drive toward healthcare optimization, and concerns about drug resistance - coupled with advances in biomedical research and technology, are changing the clinical-diagnostic landscape. These changes create a significant opportunity for ambitious companies like Magellan," said President and CEO, Robert J. Rosenthal, PhD. "Our mission is to help clinicians make better, faster, more-informed clinical decisions by providing high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic products for the point of care as well as hospital-based labs. Heiner, Larry, and Stuart bring a wealth of relevant experience and insight to Magellan as we continue to pursue our growth strategy and expand our diagnostic offerings through new product development and acquisitions."

During Dr. Dreismann's tenure as CEO of RMD, he oversaw significant expansion of the company's product portfolio, and the company's sales doubled under his leadership. Previously within Roche Diagnostics, he held several other executive positions in global business development, public relations, and R&D for microbiology and infectious disease products. In addition, his experience leading the integration following the merger of Boehringer Mannheim and Roche Diagnostics in 1998 brings significant value to Magellan. He currently serves on the boards of several biotech and diagnostic companies. Dr. Dreismann received his master's in biology from Westfalische Wilheims University in Munster, Germany, and his PhD in microbiology/molecular biology from the University of Munster.

Prior to his tenure at Focus, Dr. McCarthy was president of Indianapolis- based Boehringer Mannheim Diagnostics, a global diagnostic company specializing in clinical chemistry products and analyzers. Before joining Boehringer Mannheim, he was division vice president R&D, and vice president & general manager at Becton Dickinson & Company in Maryland, the world's largest manufacturer of diagnostic products for microbiology and infectious disease, where he was responsible for BD's three microbiology businesses. Dr. McCarthy received his bachelor's in biology from St. Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire, and a PhD in microbiology from the University of New Hampshire, in Durham. He was a post-doctoral fellow in medical and public health microbiology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, and also completed the Harvard University School of Business Advanced Management Program. Dr. McCarthy has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and 60 scientific abstracts and presentations. In addition, he is founder of the Clinical Microbiology Newsletter (Elsevier Publishing) and served on the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.

Mr. Auerbach joined Ampersand in 1991, following three years of consulting experience at Bain and five years in manufacturing and engineering at Lever Brothers. He served as the full-time CFO of ADFlex Solutions during the design and implementation of its turnaround, and has been a director of more than 10 companies. Mr. Auerbach has a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Columbia and a master's in business from the Harvard University School of Business.

About Magellan Biosciences

Magellan serves the worldwide clinical-diagnostics market with rapid point-of-care analyzers and automated systems for hospital-based labs and near-patient testing. Scientists use the company's discovery systems and sensors for cutting-edge research to develop a new understanding of health and illness - from disease pathology to biomarker identification. Magellan designs all its systems, sensors, and consumables to deliver better, more-reliable results. And better results help drive improved health outcomes: earlier, more-accurate diagnoses; breakthroughs that can lead to novel treatments, new cures - innovations to enhance life. A privately held company, Magellan serves customers through wholly owned subsidiaries: ESA Biosciences, Dynex Technologies, and TREK Diagnostic Systems. For more information, visit www.magellanbio.com.

CONTACT: Caroline Grossman of Magellan Biosciences, +1-781-771-5579,cgrossman@magellanbio.com

Web site: http://www.magellanbio.com/