BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Light Sciences Oncology, Inc. (LSO) today announced the election of Akbar Seddigh, Chairman of the Board, Elekta, to a newly created seat on its board of directors. Mr. Seddigh is widely known for guiding numerous medical-product companies, including Elekta, to market leadership.

"The appointment of Akbar Seddigh brings additional strength in business development to the board," said LSO's Chairman of the Board Jeff Himawan. "Mr. Seddigh is a world leader in cancer-therapy business development. He has overseen the emergence of Elekta as the market leader in radiation treatment in oncology -- a much larger market than drug treatment in oncology."

"Akbar Seddigh has been personally instrumental in converting Elekta from a machine vendor to a true cancer-care company," added Llew Keltner, M.D., Ph.D., LSO's President and CEO.

Mr. Seddigh has held managerial positions within Volvo, AB Atomenergi, and the Geological Survey of Sweden. In 1984, he founded the medical-technology company Ortivus, where he was President until the end of the 1990s. He was recruited to Elekta's Board in 1998 and became Chairman in 1999. Elekta is an international medical-technology group, providing clinical solutions, comprehensive information systems, and services for improved cancer care and management of brain disorders. Mr. Seddigh is also Chairman of Inovation Bro (government fund), Hedson Technologies (industrial), and Belekinge Institute of Technology, and Vice-Chairman of the trade group BIO Sweden. He serves on the boards of Swedish companies Formo Services (industrial), Mentice (medical simulation), Affarsstrategerna (venture capital), Biolight (biotech), and Tobii Technology (eye control system).

"Mr. Seddigh's decades of experience, achievements, and network within cancer treatment is highly relevant for making sure LSO's product Aptocine becomes a success in a market that's vastly underserved," said Martin Olin, LSO board member and long-time Seddigh associate.

"Working on the board of Light Sciences Oncology will be one of the most interesting and exciting assignments of my career," commented Mr. Seddigh. "I look forward to helping LSO and Aptocine achieve success and leadership in the cancer-treatment community."

About Light Sciences Oncology

Light Sciences Oncology (LSO) is developing Aptocine(TM) (talaporfin sodium) for the treatment of solid tumors as well as other indications such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Aptocine is a water-soluble drug targeted by a small, single-use, disposable drug activator included with the drug. Aptocine is designed to provide tolerable, effective, and repeatable treatments for patients. LSO has completed treatment of patients in a Phase 3 trial of Aptocine in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 3 trial for metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). LSO is also conducting clinical trials in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate, and has clinical or preclinical programs in cardiovascular, ophthalmic, and dermatologic diseases. LSO's development organization oversees engineering, clinical trials, manufacturing, and regulatory/legal affairs. The company has positioned Aptocine to benefit an increasing number of patients with a strong portfolio of intellectual property, innovative applications in development, and an exceptionally capable and efficient team.

Contacts

Robert M. Littauer
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
1-425-957-8900
bobl@lsoncology.com

Llew Keltner, M.D., Ph.D.
President and CEO
1-425-957-8900
dr_llew@lsoncology.com

Website: www.lsoncology.com

Aptocine(TM) is a trademark of Light Sciences Oncology, Inc.

SOURCE Light Sciences Oncology, Inc.

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