Molecular Diagnostics Industry Executive, Dr. Heiner Dreismann, Joins ChondroGene's Board
TORONTO, CANADA (September 19, 2006): ChondroGene Limited (TSX Venture: CDG) announced today that former Roche Molecular Systems CEO, Dr. Heiner Dreismann, PhD, has joined ChondroGene’s Board of Directors. Dr. Dreismann is a veteran of the molecular diagnostics industry who will bring a wealth of experience, contacts and insight to ChondroGene as it moves into the commercialization of its blood-based molecular diagnostic tests.
For the past five years Dr. Dreismann was President and CEO of Roche Molecular Systems (RMS), a division of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and the company that pioneered molecular diagnostics in the clinical arena. Dr. Dreismann led the introduction of PCR-based tests in Europe as early as 1992 and witnessed firsthand the industry growth over the last two decades. During his tenure as CEO, RMS annual sales doubled to US$ 1.0 billion and the portfolio of tests and hardware sales were greatly expanded. Prior to being appointed CEO, Dr. Dreismann held other senior positions within Roche Diagnostics in the areas of Global Business Development, Business Unit Manager for PCR and Microbiology, as well as R&D positions in microbiology and infectious diseases, and in manufacturing.
"I am very pleased to join ChondroGene’s Board of Directors. I believe the Company is developing a truly revolutionary approach to molecular diagnostics," stated Dr. Dreismann. "A critical need for the further evolution of molecular diagnostics is a flexible platform technology, such as ChondroGene’s Sentinel Principle™, that enables timely, cost effective generation of biomarker content. ChondroGene’s Sentry line of blood-based molecular diagnostic assays has this potential. I am looking forward to working with the ChondroGene team to turn this potential into a commercial and clinical reality."
Dr. Dreismann earned a Master’s Degree in Biology and a PhD in Microbiology/Molecular Biology both from Westfaelische Wilhelms University in Muenster, Germany. He is also a member of the New York Academy of Sciences and the American Society of Microbiology. "Dr. Dreismann has been a pioneer and leader in the molecular diagnostics industry since its inception," stated Dr. K. Wayne Marshall, MD, PhD, President and CEO of ChondroGene. "His broad experience and deep knowledge of the industry, especially as it relates to the introduction of new molecular diagnostic technologies will be invaluable as we commercialize our lead product, ColonSentry™."
About GeneNews
GeneNews is focused on the application of functional genomics to enable early diagnosis and personalized therapeutic intervention based on disease-specific biomarkers. The Company has developed a novel approach, the Sentinel Principle™, to detect and stage virtually any disease or medical condition from a simple blood sample. GeneNews is currently applying the Sentinel Principle™ in major areas with unmet clinical needs such as cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. GeneNews' first product, ColonSentry™, is a convenient and patient-friendly blood-based test that can assess an individual's current risk for colorectal cancer. For more information on GeneNews, visit www.genenews.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.