Appointment of Executive Director, Dr Michael Thurn
Philadelphia PA and Sydney Australia, 12 February 2019: Medical dermatology company Botanix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX:BOT, "Botanix" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Michael Thurn, Head of Australian Operations, as Executive Director.
Founder and Executive Director of Botanix, Matt Callahan, said: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Dr Thurn for his outstanding contribution to building Botanix's product portfolio over the past two years. We are pleased to welcome someone of Dr Thurn's expertise and experience to the Botanix Board. His complementary skillset will support our development activities and further strengthens the leadership of Botanix."
Dr Thurn has over two decades of experience in the life sciences and biotechnology industry and has accumulated extensive knowledge in drug regulation, drug discovery, pre-clinical and clinical development across dermatology in Australia and the United States. He has held various senior executive, managerial and Board positions in both listed and private companies and brings unique experience, highly relevant technical knowledge and complementary skillset to the Botanix Board.
Previously, Dr Thurn has worked with the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia, led the clinical development of a topical acne treatment through to completion of Phase 2 clinical trial and also led Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, which was sold to Novartis in a $700m transaction.
About Botanix Pharmaceuticals
Botanix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX:BOT) is a clinical stage medical dermatology company based in Perth, Australia and Philadelphia, PA. The Company's focus is the development of safe and effective topical treatments for acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions. The active ingredient contained in Botanix products is a synthetic form of a widely studied natural compound. Treatment targets include inflammation, deterioration of the of the skin barrier, skin cell proliferation, pruritus (itch), excess sebum production and bacterial infection.
Botanix has an exclusive license to use a proprietary drug delivery system (PermetrexTM) for direct skin delivery of active pharmaceuticals in all skin diseases. Botanix is working with multiple parties to test the application of PermetrexTM on both a fee-for-service and traditional license basis.