Dortmund, Germany – 20th July, 2016 – Protagen AG, a leading specialist in the development of novel diagnostic tests and companion diagnostics (CDx) in the autoimmune field, today announced that Dr. Oliver Schacht, CEO of Curetis N.V., Holzgerlingen, has joined the company’s Supervisory Board. Additionally, Dr. Bernhard Kirschbaum, former Merck Pharma Executive and member of the Protagen Board since 2015, was elected as the new Chairman, taking over the position from Prof. Dr. Axel Kleemann.
Dr. Schacht successfully completed the IPO of Curetis in November last year, and served previously in executive positions at Epigenomics Inc. Seattle WA, USA and Epigenomics AG, Berlin. He is a member of the Executive Board of BioDeutschland and has a proven track record in the diagnostics industry, with a strong network in the international capital markets, business development, and sales. “Protagen has recently launched its first proprietary CE-IVD marked products and the Protagen platform is able to continuously deliver novel, clinically validated biomarkers in a market that is in need of novel content,” said Dr. Schacht. “I look forward to supporting the management team and board in translating their efforts into a sustainable commercial success.”
Stefan Müllner, CEO of Protagen, added: “Having successfully executed two IPOs in the diagnostic field, Oliver Schacht will provide invaluable guidance for an effective and targeted expansion of our business.”
Bernhard Kirschbaum, new Chairman of the Protagen Board, commented: “I would like to welcome Oliver Schacht in his new role. Oliver is a great addition to the Board and will help us to grow the business in the demanding field of autoimmune diagnostics. Having served as Chairman of the Board for the last 15 years, Axel Kleemann was the key person who shaped Protagen. We would like to sincerely thank him for his long standing commitment and guidance and I am truly sad to see him leave.”
About Protagen – Diagnostics Differentiated
Protagen AG, headquartered in Dortmund, Germany, specializes in the development of novel diagnostic and companion diagnostic tests to provide better and earlier diagnosis of autoimmune diseases.
Protagen uses its proprietary SeroTag® biomarker platform to identify disease specific autoantibodies and is on target to become the leading provider of autoimmune diagnostic products, specifically targeting diseases with an unmet need for effective diagnostics. With pioneering bioscience techniques, extensive scientific expertise and a broad patent portfolio, Protagen works to develop its own diagnostic pipeline, and partners with other organizations to develop and implement new companion diagnostic tools for better personalized treatment strategies.
For more information, please visit www.protagen.com
