NUCRYST Announces Management Realignment and R&D Portfolio Change
Wednesday April 30, 4:56 pm ET
WAKEFIELD, MA, April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals, a developer and manufacturer of medical products that fight infection and inflammation, today announced that the Company has realigned its management team to further advance its cost reduction and growth strategies. The realignment results in increased management responsibilities for David C. McDowell, Vice President Operations and the appointment of Edward Gaj, Jr., RPh to the newly created position of Vice President Marketing.
The Company also announced that it has discontinued the development of, and out-licensing initiatives for, the current formulation of NPI 32101 silver to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Preclinical work will continue on the use of NPI 32101 silver for the treatment of Clostridium difficile, as will the Company's other projects to develop line-extensions, product improvements and new products for the treatment of infection and inflammation in hospitals, specialty clinics and long-term care facilities.
"I am confident that Dave and Ed's industry expertise, commitment to success and leadership skills will contribute greatly to NUCRYST's future growth, and I am pleased to announce this significant expansion of their responsibilities," said Thomas E. Gardner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Effective May 1, 2008, Mr. McDowell, a 24-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry will add Research and Development to his current responsibilities for Manufacturing, Quality/Regulatory and Medical Affairs. Research and Development currently reports to Katherine J. Turner, PhD, Vice President Research and Development, who has announced her intention to leave the Company to pursue other opportunities.
Mr. Gardner added, "Following the Company's decision to consolidate management of Research and Development activities in Canada, Katherine Turner advised us of her intention to explore opportunities outside of NUCRYST. I want to thank Dr. Turner for her contributions during her tenure at NUCRYST, and we wish her success in her future endeavors."
About Clostridium difficile
Clostridium difficile (also called C. difficile or C. diff) is a bacterium that is recognized as the major causative agent of colitis (inflammation of the colon) and diarrhea that may occur following antibiotic intake. C. difficile infection represents one of the most widespread hospital infections around the world. C. difficile may complicate the course of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and it is responsible for a significant occurrence of diarrhea in AIDS patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year in the United States C. difficile is responsible for tens of thousands of cases of diarrhea and at least 5,000 deaths.
surf's up......crikey
