Founder to Lead Company-Wide Research Initiatives and Strategies
TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VMSI), the leading company in supplying automated instrument-reagent
systems to histology labs, today announced that Dr. Thomas Grogan, the
company's founder, a director and chairman emeritus, has been appointed chief
scientific officer and medical director. Dr. Grogan will monitor and evaluate
the development of novel therapeutics from biotechnology and pharmaceutical
companies and assist in the establishment of strategic alliances and other
collaborations to develop diagnostic tests for targeted therapeutics. He will
work closely with Ventana's engineering team to ensure successful transfer of
reagent research products from research to development, and be integrally
involved in the successful commercialization of these products on Ventana
platforms.
Dr. Grogan will build a life sciences research and development
organization charged with expanding the company's histology and drug discovery
businesses. In particular, he will lead research and development efforts to
develop the applications and protocols for Ventana's Discovery instrument,
which automates many of the manual lab activities involved in new drug target
and compound discovery. His team will develop new IHC, ISH and Special Stains
tests, optimize protocols for automation and support tissue processor and
stain development.
Dr. Grogan, 55, has served as a director since the company's formation in
June 1985 and was chairman from June 1985 to November 1995. He has been on
the faculty of the University of Arizona since 1979. Currently he is a
professor of pathology in the College of Medicine, where he specializes in
hematopathology. He is a member of the Lymphoma Biology Committee and
founding member of the International Lymphoma Study Group, which formulated
the current classification scheme for clinical practice. Dr. Grogan has
authored over 200 papers on lymphoma and myeloma, and holds patents for the
kinetic-mode process for automated IHC and ISH. He received a bachelor's in
biology from the University of Virginia and a M.D. from George Washington
School of Medicine. He completed a post-doctorate fellowship in
hematopathology at Stanford University.
"We are delighted that Tom has decided to resume a hands-on role," said
Christopher Gleeson, chief executive officer and president. "His vision and
passion are contagious, and will be invaluable assets as we pursue these
exciting opportunities. More importantly, Tom is a renowned authority within
the anatomical pathology community. His appointment adds further credibility
to our accelerating and deepening commitment to research and development as
part of our strategy to grow our product base and platforms."
Ventana develops, manufactures and markets instrument/reagent systems that
automate tissue preparation and slide staining in clinical histology and drug
discovery laboratories worldwide. Ventana's clinical systems are important
tools used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases.
Ventana's drug discovery systems are used to accelerate the discovery of new
drug targets and evaluate the safety of new drug compounds.
For more information on Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. via facsimile at no
additional cost, simply dial 1-800-PRO-INFO and enter the stock symbol "VMSI".
Or visit the Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. website at http://www.ventanamed.com .
The Molecular Discovery Systems Division has its own website
at http://www.ventanadiscovery.com .
SOURCE Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.ventanamed.com
CONTACT:
Christopher Gleeson, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., 520-887-2155;
or Analysts, Kathy Brunson, 312-640-6696, General, Marilyn
Windsor, 312-640-6692, Media, Cindy Martin, 312-266-7800, all of
The Financial Relations Board
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