PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 14, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Znomics, Inc. (OTCBB:ZNOM), a pioneer in the development of the zebrafish as a vertebrate genetic platform to accelerate drug discovery, announced today the promotion of Stephen Kurtz, Ph.D. to director of operations, effective March 1, 2008.
As director of operations, reporting to the chief executive officer and chief scientific officer, Kurtz will be responsible for expanding Znomics' drug discovery program by evaluating new technologies, at universities and companies, for possible in-licensing opportunities. Additionally, he will oversee some laboratory operations as well as liaise with university and corporate scientists that engage in collaborative programs with Znomics.
"As a co-founder and having more recently served on a part-time basis as director of marketing, Stephen has intimate knowledge of our scientific platform and growth strategy," said Roger Cone, chief scientific officer of Znomics. "We are certain his proven track record in the field of genetics and molecular biological research, drug target development, and drug compound evaluation and discovery will continue to serve us well as Znomics looks to advance its research technologies."
"We are firmly committed to growing our business through technology in-licensing opportunities and Stephen's new position to head this effort underscores the importance of this initiative," said Richard Sessions, chief executive officer. "Stephen fully understands our customers, what they need from us, and Znomics' ability to create value."
Kurtz, 51, brings more than 25 years of relevant experience in molecular genetics and cell biology to Znomics. Previously he was chief scientific officer at Northwest NeuroLogic, associate director and scientist at Neurocrine Biosciences, and senior scientist at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Prior to that, he was a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University. He has authored or co-authored 29 scientific publications and served as principal or co-principal investigator on several NIH grants. He also is the lead inventor on two issued U.S. patents. Kurtz earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Brown University, and a doctorate degree in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago.
About Znomics
Znomics, Inc. is focused on identifying and developing new pharmaceutical products for treatment of human disorders and diseases. The company's drug discovery platform is based on its catalogued library of mutations in the zebrafish, called the ZeneMark Library. The library, the first in a vertebrate, currently contains more than 11,000 strains of fish representing mutations in more than half of the known genome. Zebrafish share 80% - 90% of the same genes as humans. The company is leveraging this technology for its internal drug discovery efforts as well as establishing collaborative partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and universities. For more information, visit www.znomics.com
Forward-Looking Statements
With the exception of historical information contained in this press release, the matters described herein are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, including statements as to industry trends, future economic performance, anticipated profitability, anticipated revenues or expenses, and products or service line growth, may be significantly and materially impacted by certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, failure to meet operating objectives or to execute the operating plan, competition, and other economic factors, risks regarding product development, the timing and results of clinical trials, the regulatory approval process, capital requirements, financial condition, patent protection and dependence on third parties for development and licensing arrangements. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available online at www.sec.gov. Znomics undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For more information visit our website at www.znomics.com