Melbourne, Australia; 15 December, 2011: Patrys Limited (ASX: PAB; Company), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel treatments for cancer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Suzy Jones as a Non-Executive Director.
The appointment marks the ongoing transition of Patrys to a clinical development company with its lead anti-cancer compound PAT-SM6 moving into a second trial for the treatment of multiple myeloma and PAT-SC1 moving towards out licensing in 2012.
Ms. Jones’ career has spanned over 22 years. Most recently, she was the Head of Business Development at Genentech responsible for identifying external opportunities that supported the company’s business objectives, and overseeing the negotiation of collaboration agreements to support strategic alliances. Today, Ms. Jones is Founder and Managing Partner of DNA Ink LLC, a life sciences business development and licensing firm in San Francisco, California.
Ms. Jones joined Genentech in 1990 as a research associate where she conducted basic immunology research, contributing to the development of two drug candidates. After leaving pure research, Ms. Jones worked in the Product Development group where she managed several products at various stages of their life-cycles, including two very successful cancer products, Rituxan and Avastin. In 2001, Ms. Jones joined the Business Development group where she spent nine years overseeing Genentech’s licensing efforts in immunology, infectious diseases, neurobiology, ophthalmology, metabolism, cardiovascular diseases as well as technology licensing. During her tenure, the Genentech Business Development group was recognized in an IBM survey as the number one deal-making and sourcing group in industry.
Patrys’ Chairman Mr. John Read said: “I am delighted that Suzy has accepted this appointment to the Patrys Board. Her expertise is a welcome addition to the Board during 2012 when the Company will be actively seeking a licensing partner for its lead product PAT-SC1.”
Mr. Read added “Her 20 years at Genentech, her experience in BD executing licensing transactions, her strong networks in the North American venture capital industry and her extensive knowledge of oncology, immunology and autoimmune disease will complement the existing Board’s skills set.”
Ms. Jones said: “I am pleased to join the Patrys Board at this exciting time. I intend to utilise my very extensive networks within the pharmaceutical and biotech companies and the venture capital community to assist Patrys in securing partnership and capital raising opportunities.”
The appointment is effective immediately.
