ZyGEM Corporation Appoints Leading Biotechnology Expert to Head Clinical Advisory Board
SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- ZyGEM Corp. Ltd., a leading provider of unique and innovative enzymatic solutions for DNA extraction and detection and other life sciences applications, today announced the appointment of Mark J. Ahn, Ph.D., as Chair of its newly formed Clinical Advisory Board. Dr. Ahn and the new advisory board will assist ZyGEM on expanding its established and new technology platforms into additional clinical medicine applications, with a focus on molecular diagnostics. Dr. Ahn is Professor and Chair, Science & Technology Entrepreneurship at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Previously, he was President and CEO of Hana Biosciences, Inc. and Vice President of Hematology at Genentech, Inc.
"Mark's expert understanding of drug discovery, development and commercialization will be invaluable as we expand our existing and new technologies into clinical medicine applications," said Paul Kinnon, president and CEO of ZyGEM. "Mark played a key role in helping to build Genentech's oncology business into a world leader before becoming founding CEO of an entrepreneurial cancer firm. His life sciences industry experience spans multiple markets, including health providers, major biopharmaceutical firms, entrepreneurial companies and academia-all potentially important customer segments for ZyGEM's growing product lines. We are delighted to have him on board."
ZyGEM currently develops and markets innovative solutions for life sciences applications that leverage the properties of unique enzymes in the company's extensive proprietary culture collection. Its products include innovative DNA extraction and detection solutions for forensics, livestock and agriculture, basic research and clinical applications. ZyGEM's technology is based on more than two decades of research and development on the company's exclusive collection of microorganisms and fungi isolated from extreme environments. ZyGEM is also developing several new and complementary technology platforms.
"I am delighted to join the ZyGEM team at such an exciting time in the company's development," said Dr. Ahn. "I look forward to supporting ZyGEM's efforts as it expands its enzyme-based solutions and other novel technologies into new market segments that will bring the benefits of its innovative approaches more directly to physicians and patients."
Dr. Ahn is Professor and Chair, Science & Technology Entrepreneurship with a joint appointment from the faculties of Commerce & Administration and Science at Victoria University of Wellington. Prior to joining the university, Dr. Ahn was founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Hana Biosciences. Prior to Hana, he served as Vice President, Hematology and corporate officer at Genentech. Previously, he held a series of positions of increasing responsibility at Amgen and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Dr. Ahn also serves on the Boards of Directors of RXi Pharmaceuticals and Access Pharmaceuticals. He received B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from Chaminade University of Honolulu and holds a Ph.D. from the University of South Australia.
About ZyGEM
ZyGEM Corporation Limited is a rapidly growing biotechnology company with a range of innovative enzyme-based products and technologies based on the company's exclusive collection of microorganisms from extreme environments. ZyGEM's technology has significant competitive advantages over existing methods and has potential applications in a number of sizeable global markets. ZyGEM currently produces DNA extraction and detection products, molecular biology enzymes and individual enzymes and diagnostics, serving life sciences customers in basic research, forensics, clinical diagnostics and agriculture. ZyGEM has facilities in New Zealand and the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.ZyGEM.com.
CONTACT: Corporate: Paul Kinnon, President and CEO, +1-858-720-8333, or
Media: Barbara Lindheim of GendeLLindheim BioCom Partners, +1-212-918-4650,
both for ZyGEM Corp. Ltd.
Web site: http://www.ZyGEM.com/