MONTREAL -- MethylGene Inc. (TSX:MYG), a biopharmaceutical company, today announced the appointment of Robert E. Martell, M.D., Ph.D., as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. This appointment will take effect in June 2005.
Most recently, Dr. Martell was Director of Oncology Global Clinical Research at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. In this role he worked with molecular-targeted drugs in areas such as multi-target kinase inhibitor, CDK2 inhibitor, and panHER inhibitor programs. He also was significantly involved in the Biologic Licensing Application (BLA) for Erbitux.Dr. Martell concurrently held an appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor of Oncology at Yale University School of Medicine and Staff Physician at the Veterans Affairs hospital. Previously, Dr. Martell worked at Bayer Pharmaceutical Division; his last position was as Deputy Director Medical Science Unit, where he oversaw the Phase I and Phase II studies for BAY 43-9006 (Sorafenib, a RAF Kinase/VEGF/PDGF inhibitor) and the post-marketing clinical development of Viadur.
"Dr. Martell's extensive knowledge of clinical oncology and research, specifically in the areas of multi-targeted kinase inhibitors, and other molecular-targeted compounds, will contribute significantly as we move several of our programs through the clinic," commented Mr. Donald F. Corcoran, President and CEO of MethylGene. "I am confident that Dr. Martell's broad clinical development experience will add value to our MG98 (demethylation agent) and MGCD0103 (oral isotypic selective histone deacetylase inhibitor) clinical programs and will guide our effort in other cancer programs, such as our multi-kinase inhibitor program. Dr. Martell's expertise will also be of great assistance in evaluating potential licensing opportunities in cancer. We are pleased that a clinical oncologist of Dr. Martell's calibre is joining MethylGene and we would like to welcome him to the team."
Dr. Martell received his BA degree in chemistry from Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan; his Ph.D. degree in pharmacology from the University of Michigan; and his M.D. degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.He completed his internal medicine internship and residency and medical oncology fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, where he was subsequently appointed Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Geriatrics and Medical Oncology. Dr. Martell is the author, or co-author, of over 22 research papers, book chapters and abstracts. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. He is a member of AACR and ASCO.
About MethylGene
MethylGene is a publicly-traded biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics in cancer and infectious disease. Two cancer product candidates, MG98, partnered with MGI PHARMA, Inc. for North America and MGCD0103, partnered with Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for certain Asian countries, are currently in clinical trials.
MG98 has entered a randomized two-step Phase II combination trial with interferon alpha in metastatic renal cell cancer. MGCD0103 is currently in Phase I dose-escalation monotherapy trials against solid tumours and hematological malignancies.In collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc., MethylGene is developing small molecule beta-lactamase inhibitors to overcome antibiotic resistance. MethylGene has a portfolio of preclinical programs for its kinase and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors for both oncology and non-oncology indications, and is exploiting its core HDAC expertise for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases with EnVivo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Please visit MethylGene's website at www.methylgene.com.
Except for historical information, this news release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events.These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties,(which can be found in the Company's Annual Information Form dated December 31, 2004, and can be found on www.sedar.com) which may cause but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting.
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