BELLEVILLE, ON, July 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. , a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, today announced the appointment of Dr. Lorne Babiuk as a member of its Board of Directors.
Dr. Babiuk is currently Vice-President (Research) at the University of Alberta. Until last month, he was Director of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan, having joined the University as Assistant Professor in 1973. In his role as Director of VIDO, Dr. Babiuk was very involved in the development of Bioniche’s E. coli O157:H7 cattle vaccine. He also assisted Bioniche in the establishment of two Natural Science and Engineering Research Canada (NSERC)/ Bioniche Industrial Research Chairs in vaccines to reduce food and water contamination.
A Saskatchewan native, Babiuk earned a B.Sc. in Soil Science from the University of Saskatchewan in 1967, an M.Sc. in Soil Science two years later, and a PhD in Microbiology in 1972. As a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Babiuk was awarded a Doctor of Science degree by the University, in recognition of his ground-breaking work in vaccine development.
Dr. Babiuk led the world’s first genetically engineered vaccine for animal species and has recently expanded this research from animals to human health. He is committed to the advancement of science policy and research in Canada and has made significant advances in the commercialization of biological research, serving as an advisor and consultant for investors and companies worldwide on the control of infectious diseases and the health and productivity of livestock.
Dr. Babiuk’s numerous honours include being named an Officer of the Order of Canada, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and Member of the European Academy of Sciences. In May of this year, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Colorado State University.
“Dr. Babiuk’s tremendous breadth of knowledge and experience in veterinary medicine, infectious disease, and vaccine development, along with his involvement and understanding of our Food Safety Division and its lead product - the E. coli O157:H7 cattle vaccine - make him a tremendous asset to the governance of our Company,” said Mr. Graeme McRae, President & CEO of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. “Dr. Babiuk joins our Board of Directors at an important time, as we are pursuing registrations of our E. coli O157:H7 vaccine in key markets, while preparing to introduce the vaccine to customers.”
About Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. is a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of proprietary products for human and animal health markets worldwide. The fully-integrated company employs approximately 185 skilled personnel and has three operating divisions: Human Health, Animal Health, and Food Safety. The Company’s primary goal is to develop proprietary cancer therapies supported by revenues from marketed products in human and animal health. For more information, please visit www.Bioniche.com.
Except for historical information, this news release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause, but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s ongoing quarterly and annual reporting.
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.
CONTACT: Jennifer Shea, Corporate Communications & Investor RelationsManager, Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., Telephone: (613) 966-8058, Cell:(613) 391-2097, Jennifer.Shea@Bioniche.com
