SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- West Coast Biologicals, Inc. (WCB) announced today the election of Dr. Mark P. Backer as President and Chief Executive Officer. “Dr. Backer’s experience in developing vaccines and other biological products makes him a perfect fit for West Coast Biologicals’ current needs as we transition from a strictly research company to a development and product oriented company,” said Dr. Sean N. Tucker, Vice President of Research, Director, and founder of WCB. “Dr. Backer has a proven track record for bringing new products to market through his technical and managerial skills. We are extremely pleased that Dr. Backer will be leading us in our efforts.”
Dr. Backer brings extensive industry experience to WCB. He began working in the biotech industry in 1978, when he was the seventh employee of Genentech, Inc. and initiated its pilot manufacturing operations. He also held development and operations positions of increasing responsibility with Eli Lilly, IDEC Pharmaceuticals, Systemix, Inc., and Aviron (now MedImmune Vaccines). From 2001 to 2005, Dr. Backer served as Vice President, Technical Development with PDL BioPharma, Inc. Dr. Backer was also founding Chairman, and currently serves as a Director of Molecular Medicine BioServices, a contract development and manufacturing firm focused on viral-based vaccines and therapeutics.
Dr. Backer commented, “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to lead the WCB team and drive the development of their powerful technology for oral vaccination. The company has made important progress. I believe this technology platform could lead to successful vaccines for liver cancer and AIDS, and improved vaccines for influenza and other diseases.”
West Coast Biologicals, Inc. is a privately held firm dedicated to discovering, developing and marketing vaccines to serve unmet medical needs.
Contact: Dr. Mark Backer at 415-839-3580.
For additional information, please visit www.westcoastbiologicals.com.
Source: West Coast Biologicals, Inc.
