WAKEFIELD, MA, June 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals is pleased to announce that Katherine J. Turner, PhD has been appointed Vice President, Research and Development. In this expanded role, Dr. Turner will be responsible for guiding the research and development of the company’s medical product pipeline and will report to Scott H. Gillis, President & CEO, NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Dr. Turner has served as NUCRYST’s Vice President, Research since June 2006. She will succeed Paul J. Schechter, MD, PhD, who is retiring effective June 30, 2007.
Prior to joining NUCRYST, Dr. Turner held the position of Vice President, Validation Biology at Biogen Idec Inc., where she directed research in immunology, neurobiology, fibrosis and oncology. Prior to this, Dr. Turner rose through positions of increasing responsibilities at Genetics Institute and its successor, Wyeth, to Vice President, Immunology and Hemostasis. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, authored chapters in textbooks and presented research findings at symposia and professional meetings.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Turner assume responsibility for research and development. She is an accomplished scientist and biotechnology executive and has extensive experience in healthcare product development,” said Mr. Gillis. “Dr. Turner will continue to play a pivotal role as we pursue our pipeline of medical products.”
Dr. Schechter joined NUCRYST in 2002 and in addition to being the chief medical officer, led the company’s research and development program, as well as regulatory affairs. He will provide continued support on a limited basis as a medical director.
“I want to thank Dr. Schechter for his years of service, dedication and important contributions to NUCRYST,” said Mr. Gillis. “He was instrumental in establishing our pharmaceutical research and development program and his vast experience helped identify numerous therapeutic targets based on our patented atomically disordered nanocrystalline silver technology.”
NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals develops, manufactures and commercializes medical products that fight infection and inflammation using its patented atomically disordered nanocrystalline silver technology. Smith & Nephew plc sell a range of advanced wound care products under their Acticoat(TM) trade mark: Acticoat(TM) products incorporate NUCRYST’s SILCRYST(TM) coatings and are sold in over 30 countries. NUCRYST is also developing pharmaceutical products to address medical conditions that are characterized by both infection and inflammation. The Company has developed its proprietary nanocrystalline silver in a powder form for use as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, referred to as NPI 32101.
Acticoat(TM) is a trademark of Smith & Nephew plc
SILCRYST(TM) is a trademark of NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the United States and Canada. These statements are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and the Company can give no assurance that these expectations are correct. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements, including but not limited to: the initiation, timing, progress and results of our preclinical and clinical trials, research and development programs; our ability to implement our business model and strategic plans for our business, product candidates and technology; our ability to maintain and establish corporate collaborations; changes in general economic conditions; financial considerations; other risks and uncertainties unidentified at this time; and management’s response to these factors. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp.
CONTACT: David Wills, Investor Relations, (416) 504-8464,info@nucryst.com, www.nucryst.com
