HALIFAX, Feb. 13 /CNW/ - MedMira Inc., ("MedMira") (TSX Venture: MIR, NASDAQ: MMIRF), a developer and marketer of rapid diagnostic technology and solutions, today announced that the Company's Board of Directors has elected Dr. James Smith as Chairman. Mr. Romano Robusto was elected as a Director at MedMira's 2009 Annual General Meeting held on January 30, 2009.
A member of MedMira's Board of Directors since 2000, Dr. Smith has served on the Board's Audit and Compensation committees. He also served as the Company's Vice President of Corporate Affairs and will be stepping down from this position to focus on his duties as Chairman.
"I was attracted to MedMira because of the innovative diagnostic products being developed by a Nova Scotia company. I saw the value of the Company's rapid tests as public health tools in fighting global healthcare challenges like HIV and Hepatitis and wanted to be a part of it," said Dr. Smith, Chairman of the Board. "In my new role I look forward to helping the MedMira team continue to expand into global markets, gain valuable strategic partners, and build shareholder value."
Prior to joining MedMira, Dr. Smith was a member of the Nova Scotia Legislature for 19 years, serving in various roles including Minister of Health. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Dr. Smith received a BSc from the University of British Columbia and his medical degree from Dalhousie University. Dr. Smith practiced family medicine in Nova Scotia for 29 years, prior to entering political life. Active in the community, Dr. Smith also serves on The Board of Directors' of BioNova, the Nova Scotia Biotechnology and Life Sciences Industry Association, the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia; the NovaKnowledge Advisory Council and the Advisory Board (Atlantic) Ballet Jorgen.
Mr. Romano Robusto is a seasoned life sciences executive with over 20 years of experience in the industry, primarily in the diagnostic sector. He has held a broad range of positions including Intellectual Property, Sales, Business Development, Strategic Planning and Senior Management. Mr. Robusto most recently served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Radient Technologies and prior to this he worked within the life sciences division of the SGF, the economic development arm of the Quebec Government, responsible for investing development capital into companies that had achieved commercial viability. Mr. Robusto has also held numerous positions within the diagnostic division of Biochem Pharma. He holds degrees in Common and Civil law from McGill University, a BSc in Physical Therapy from McGill University and majored in Biochemistry at Concordia University.
"On behalf of the Board and the Company I congratulate Dr. Smith on his new role as Chairman and welcome Mr. Robusto," said Hermes Chan, president and CEO, MedMira Inc. "Dr. Smith has been key member of MedMira's leadership team and we look forward to his continued guidance and perspective as Chairman. Additionally Mr. Robusto's life science industry experience and insight will be valuable in helping MedMira move forward successfully," said Hermes Chan, president and CEO, MedMira Inc.
About MedMira
MedMira is a leading developer and manufacturer of flow-through rapid diagnostics. The company's tests provide hospitals, labs, clinics and individuals with reliable, rapid diagnosis for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C in just three minutes. The company's tests are sold under the Reveal(R), MiraWell(R), MiraCare(TM) and Multiplo(TM) brands in global markets. MedMira's rapid HIV test is the only one in the world to achieve regulatory approvals in Canada, the United States, China and the European Union. MedMira's corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. For more information visit MedMira's website at www.medmira.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, which involve risk and uncertainties and reflect the company's current expectation regarding future events. Actual events could materially differ from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, successful and timely completion of clinical studies, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, establishment of corporate alliances and other risks detailed from time to time in the company quarterly filings.
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this statement.
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