FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2010
Salient Pharmaceuticals Expands Board of Directors
HOUSTON, Texas -- Salient Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Texas-based life sciences company developing a proprietary compound intended for use in treating severe diarrhea associated with chemotherapy, chronic conditions, infectious diseases and other drug therapies, today announced two additions to its Board of Directors, Saurabh Biswas and Darrell Petty.
"As we work to combat a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world, Mr. Petty and Mr. Biswas will bring significant business experience to help with pharmaceutical commercialization issues," said Richard Scruggs, President and CEO of Salient Pharmaceuticals. The two were elected at the annual shareholder meeting held February 19, 2010.
Darrell L. Petty, is a partner with Creative Link, and a senior business development and operating executive who has worked with firms ranging from start-ups to Fortune 50 companies. His background includes 17 years in the Health and Life Sciences Practice at Accenture where he played multiple leadership roles as a partner including: Managing Director of U.S. State and Local Public Service Health Practice, Texas Health and Life Sciences Community Lead, Client and Engagement Partner and Quality Assurance Partner. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Saurabh Biswas, is an Associate in the New Ventures Group at Texas A&M University System's Office of Technology Commercialization. His primary focus is on the creation of new healthcare and life science ventures based on strategic assessment of technology platforms in science and engineering. As an innovator and entrepreneur, he has had broad experience with companies pursuing early stage commercialization of healthcare technologies. He is the recipient of the prestigious Michael E. DeBakey scholarship in cardiovascular sciences and holds Masters Degrees in Bioengineering, Electrical engineering and Biomedical Instrumentation.
The two new directors join Scruggs and fellow board members Eileen M. Birge, a director at EAG Services; Randy Blair, a Partner in Optimum Strategies; Carol Cherkis, PhD., President of BioInfoStrategies; Michael A. Cunha, President of Mionix Corporation; Ken M. Dodgen, CFO of Fulcrum Power; and Blake Petty, Business Development Manager in the Office of Technology Commercialization for the Texas A&M University System.
Scruggs also announced the departure of Adam Zong and David Riddle, two long-time directors due to conflicts with other positions. Zong however, will remain in an advisory capacity as a member of the Company's Scientific Advisory Board.
Now the subject of multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies, Salient's proprietary lead compound is intended for use in treating severe diarrhea associated with chemotherapy, chronic conditions, infectious diseases and other drug therapies.
Formed in 2007, Salient Pharmaceuticals' mission is to improve health and quality of life while strengthening the odds of therapy success for patients who suffer from the debilitating effects of chronic and/or acute diarrhea.
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