Arakis and Vectura announce positive data from Phase IIa trial of COPD drug
17 May 2004
Arakis and Vectura announce positive data from Phase IIa trial of COPD drug
Vectura Limited, an emerging pharmaceutical product development company, today announces that Dr John Brown has joined the Board as a non-executive director.
John Brown was, until recently, Chief Executive of Acambis, the FTSE 250 biotech company that specialises in the development of vaccines to prevent and treat infectious diseases, and is recognised internationally as the foremost producer of smallpox and traveller vaccines. John joined Acambis as Finance Director in 1995, taking the company through its float in the same year, before being appointed as CEO in March 1997. He led the company from its early-stages through to product commercialisation, which resulted in successful bids for a number of smallpox vaccine supply contracts, including that of the US Government in 2001. During John's time at Acambis, the company grew from 29 to 325 employees and achieved profitability in 2002.
Prior to joining Acambis, John spent four years in equity research, latterly as Head of Research at Sutherland and Partners. Prior to that, he was at PA Consulting, where he advised numerous companies within the pharmaceutical industry. John's early career included five years at Glaxo Group Research where he led a research group developing neuropeptide antagonists. John holds an MBA and a PhD in neuropharmacology. He is currently Chairman of the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh and a non-executive director of Pharmagene plc, Protherics plc and Onyvax Ltd.
Commenting on the appointment Mr. Jack Cashman, Chairman of Vectura, said: "I am delighted to welcome John to the Board of Vectura. John brings invaluable industry experience and will be a great asset to Vectura as we advance our pipeline."
On his appointment, John Brown said: "Vectura is an exciting emerging pharmaceutical company with a number of impressive and novel products. My role will be to support management in exploiting the Company's enormous potential and I very much look forward to working with this dynamic team."
For further information please contact:
Vectura Limited
Dr Chris Blackwell, Chief Executive
Tel: +44(0) 1249 667700
Fax: +44(0) 1249 667701
Email: enquiries@vectura.com
Financial Dynamics
David Yates / Lucy Briggs
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 269 7242
