Leroy Hood, M.D., Ph. D. Joins Cellumen, Inc. Scientific Advisory Board

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellumen, Inc., the Cellular Systems Biology Company, announced today that Dr. Leroy Hood has joined the Scientific Advisory Board of Cellumen, Inc.

Dr. Hood is recognized as one of the world's leading scientists in molecular biotechnology and genomics. Dr. Hood earned an M.D. degree from the Johns Hopkins University in 1964 and a Ph. D in biochemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1968. His research has focused on the study of molecular immunology and biotechnology.

"We are pleased to have attracted a scientific advisory board member with the record of impact on biology, medicine and biotechnology," stated D. Lansing Taylor, CEO of Cellumen. "Lee will add significant insight as we extend our cellular systems biology approach into patient sample stratification for theranostics and diagnostics."

In response to his appointment, Dr. Hood commented that, "Cellumen has assembled a terrific set of technologies, advisors and collaborators to optimize the commercialization of cellular systems biology. I look forward to contributing to the work of the Scientific Advisory Board."

Dr. Hood has published more than 600 peer-reviewed papers, received 12 patents, and co-authored textbooks in biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, and systems biology. Dr Hood is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, the American Association of Arts and Sciences and the Institute of Medicine. His professional career began at Caltech where he and his colleagues developed four instruments-the DNA gene sequence and synthesizer, and the protein synthesizer and sequencer-which comprise the technological foundation for modern molecular biology. In particular, the DNA sequencer has revolutionized genomics by allowing the rapid automated sequencing of DNA.

In 2000, Dr. Hood founded the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, Washington, to develop systems approaches to biology and medicine. He serves as President of the Institute and continues to pursue his interest in biology, medicine, technology, development, and computational biology.

Dr. Hood has played a role in founding numerous biotechnology companies and his lifelong contributions to biotechnology have earned him the 2003 Lemelson-MIT Prize for Invention and Innovation, the 2006 Heinz Medal, the 2002 Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology and he was presented the Lasker Award in 1987 for his studies on the mechanism of immune diversity.

About Cellumen Inc.

Cellumen is the Cellular Systems Biology Company that is focusing on the cell as an integrated and interacting network of genes, proteins and metabolites that are responsible for normal and abnormal functions. Cellumen is directly pursuing the two main issues of efficacy and toxicity that limit the efficiency of drug discovery. The Cellumen products and services address "cellular models of disease," "cytotoxicity profiling" and "patient sample profiling." Cellumen leverages the experience and expertise in High Content Screening, as well as advanced reagents and informatics to create high value solutions. Further information can be found at www.cellumen.com.

CONTACT: D. Lansing Taylor, Ph. D. of Cellumen, Inc., +1-412-481-5690

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