SAN DIEGO and BRISBANE, Australia, June 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Xenome Limited today announced the establishment of a Scientific Advisory Board with the appointment of Richard DiMarchi, John Wood and Alan Robertson.
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The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) will oversee Xenome’s research and development initiatives to outcomes that establish Xenome as a leader within the emerging peptide drug market.
Roger Drinkwater, CEO of Xenome commented: “Each SAB member’s commitment to join Xenome serves to validate the Company’s strong peptide drug discovery platform and the competitive position of our development programs. In particular, Dr. DiMarchi has previously delivered multiple peptide-related commercial successes. Dr. Robertson is the inventor of a successfully marketed pain therapeutic, and Dr. Wood has developed analgesic agents with new mechanisms of action. These experts are well suited to further complement the robust scientific base already established at Xenome.”
Richard Lewis, Chief Scientific Officer and Coordinator of the SAB stated: “The Xenome(TM) Library is an inherently unique and pharmacologically mature starting point for the delivery of peptide therapeutics with clinically desirable, and commercially viable traits. The backgrounds and strategic alignment of the individuals comprising the Xenome SAB are perfectly geared to identify and maximize the value of Xenome(TM) Library as a core asset.”
The three experts will initiate the foundation of an SAB that will provide rare access to scientific and commercial drug development experience that is anticipated to rapidly advance Xenome’s programs.
About the SAB
Richard D. DiMarchi, Ph.D.
Dr. DiMarchi has been widely honored for his outstanding contributions to the discovery and development of unique alternatives to small molecule therapeutics. He has played a crucial role in pioneering commercially successful protein and peptide therapeutics including Humalog(TM), Humulin(TM), Humatrope(TM), Evista(TM), Xigris(TM) and Forteo(TM). For example, Humalog(TM)(1) alone has delivered multi billion dollar worldwide revenues to Lilly. Dr. DiMarchi was formerly Group Vice President for Biotechnology and Product Development at Lilly Research Laboratories where he introduced and integrated core capabilities including genomics, proteomics, high-throughput screening, and combinatorial chemistry. Dr. DiMarchi is a co-founder of Ambrx and is presently a Professor of Chemistry and the Jack and Linda Gill Distinguished Chair in Biomolecular Science at Indiana University.
John Wood, Ph.D.
Dr. Wood is Professor of Molecular Neurobiology and Head of the Molecular Nociception group at University College London, where he has worked since 1994. Dr. Wood completed a Ph.D. in virology in 1975 at Warwick University and carried out post-doctoral research with Luc Montagnier at The Pasteur Institute in Paris from 1976-1979. He then moved into Neuroscience, working with Brian Anderton and Tom Jessell at St. Georges Hospital London, before spending 12 years in industry, first at the Wellcome Foundation, and later at the Sandoz (now Novartis) Institute for Medical Research in London. In 2002, he co-founded Ionix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (which has been acquired by Vernalis plc), a start-up biotechnology company comprising 46 scientists based in Cambridge UK, which is developing analgesic drugs directed against new targets defined by genetic research. Dr. Wood is the author of more than a hundred research publications, and several books and patents.
Alan D. Robertson, Ph.D.
Dr. Robertson has more than 20 years experience in drug discovery and product development with leading pharmaceutical companies, including 8 years with Wellcome plc in London and with the Australian companies Faulding Ltd. and Amrad Ltd. He was the founding Managing Director of Pharmaxis since its inception in December 1999 and has been instrumental in building the company to its present position. Dr Robertson joined the board of Pharmaxis in July 2000. The co-inventor of 18 patents and author of more than 35 scientific papers, Dr. Robertson has a Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of Glasgow and has extensive practical understanding of both the clinical and management aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. He has been actively involved in the discovery, development and marketing of various compounds, including new treatments for migraine and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Robertson is the inventor of the successful migraine therapeutic, Zomig(TM)(2).
Further information: Joanne Russo Xenome Ltd. Tel: +61 7 3720 8055 E-mail: discovery@xenome.com Website: http://www.xenome.com About Xenome
Xenome’s mission is to discover and develop drugs that will address unmet medical needs and improve the lives of patients through the use of its proprietary venom-based peptide technology. Xenome is advancing development candidates in the areas of pain and inflammatory disease, where the Company holds potential to establish multi-product, complementary franchises. Xenome will leverage the Xenome(TM) Library, the world’s leading collection of synthetic, characterized venom-derived peptides, as an asset to generate a pipeline of exciting product opportunities and as an asset to expand partnering activities. Xenome’s lead development candidate, Xen2174, a synthetic peptide for the treatment of pain, has entered Phase II clinical trials. Xenome is advancing other programs for pain and additional indications alone and via partnerships with leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
(1) Humalog(TM), Humulin(TM), Humatrope(TM), Evista(TM), Xigris(TM) and Forteo(TM) are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly & Company. (2) Zomig(TM)is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals.
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CONTACT: Joanne Russo of Xenome Ltd., +61-7-3720-8055,discovery@xenome.com
Web site: http://www.xenome.com/
