Protox Therapeutics Inc. Appoints Dr. Alexander Giaquinto to Board of Directors
"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Giaquinto to the Board of Directors," said Frank Holler, Chairman of the Board of Protox. "He is a respected U.S and international regulatory veteran who brings unique insight and exceptional industry knowledge to Protox. His extensive regulatory expertise will add significant depth to our Board and will provide invaluable leadership and guidance as we continue to advance our novel drug candidates towards commercialization.”
At Schering-Plough, Dr. Giaquinto was instrumental in establishing the development and regulatory strategies for the approvals of over 100 New Drug Applications (NDAs) and Supplements, Biologic License Applications (BLAs) and Abbreviated NDAs, including Eulexin for prostate cancer and Temodal for brain cancer. Dr. Giaquinto was a founding member of the Steering Committee of the International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) where he introduced the concept of the Common Technical Document (CTD). He has chaired the Regulatory Affairs Coordinating Committee of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). He is currently on the Board of Directors for SemBioSys Genetics, Endoceutics and Biothera, as well as a member of the Scientific Advisory Boards for Allozyne Inc. and EndoCeutics.
Dr. Giaquinto earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from St. John’s University and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the University of Connecticut.
Leaving the Protox Board is Nitin Kaushal, who has served as a Director since 2004. “On behalf of the company, I would like to thank Nitin for his commitment and counsel to Protox and wish him continued success," added Mr. Holler.
About Protox
Protox Therapeutics is a leader in advancing novel, receptor targeted fusion proteins. Two novel drug candidates derived from the company’s INxin™ and PORxin™ platforms are being developed in three clinical programs. Protox’s lead program, PRX302 (PORxin), is currently being studied in a Phase 2b placebo controlled trial to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate). Final positive Phase 2a results treating BPH patients were released at the end of 2008 and a phase 2a clinical trial evaluating PRX302 for the treatment of localized prostate cancer is ongoing. A Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating PRX321 (INxin) for the treatment of primary brain cancer has been completed and the drug has received Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Status from the US FDA and EMEA. Protox is also collaborating with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) on a research program focused on the discovery of next generation fully human targeted therapeutics.
Certain statements included in this press release may be considered forward-looking. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on Protox’ current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Protox and relate to, among other things, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, market acceptance and future commitments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by Protox in its public securities filings; actual events may differ materially from current expectations. Protox disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.