Cannabis Science Appoints Richard Ogden, PhD, Former Director of Scientific Affairs, HIV, Pfizer, as Chief Scientific Officer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannabis Science, Inc. (NASDAQ OTC: CBIS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Ogden, Ph.D., Former Director of Scientific Affairs, HIV, Pfizer, as Chief Scientific Officer of Cannabis Science.  Dr. Ogden's knowledge, experience and success in the discovery, development and commercialization of new therapeutics for HIV and cancer will enhance the Company's novel clinical research and development programs on phytocannabinoid-based drugs for HIV, Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), and basal/squamous cell carcinomas.

"I am delighted to be working with the team at Cannabis Science to develop pioneering preclinical and clinical research programs on phytocannabinoid-based products for serious unmet medical needs.  The pathway for the clinical development and commercialization of phytocannabinoids has already been established outside the U.S.  I look forward to the further investigation of this class of compounds in HIV and cancer," said Dr. Ogden.

Dr. Ogden co-founded RORR Inc., a medical, scientific consulting and education company contracted by U.S. and European-based clients, including the International AIDS Society. RORR provides consulting for companies with a focus on viral infectious disease including HIV, Hepatitis C and respiratory viruses.

Beginning his prestigious career as a Post Graduate Chemist at Cambridge University, Dr. Ogden then held several positions at Agouron Pharmaceuticals including Principal Scientist/Manager, New Projects Research, and Director and Senior Director of Scientific Development. Dr. Ogden was also the Senior Director of Scientific Affairs, HIV US Medical at Pfizer Inc.

Dr. Ogden was a team member in the HIV project that led to the discovery and development of Nelfinavir (Viracept).

In working with Pfizer, he had an additional opportunity to work with the Pfizer Foundation in its support of the Academic Alliance and its efforts in Uganda, and with Corporate Philanthropy, in its support of the World Economic Forum and the Global Business Council.

Dr. Ogden received his bachelor's degree in natural sciences and doctorate in synthetic organic chemistry at Cambridge University.  His academic career started with postdoctoral research studying RNA transcription and processing at the University of California, San Diego, following which he undertook independent research, funded by the National Science Foundation, in the area of protein and RNA structure-function relationships at the University of California, San Diego and the Agouron Institute.   

"Dr. Ogden's experience in advising pharmaceutical and biotech companies on strategic planning for clinical research programs and product development in the antiviral and oncological therapeutic areas, make him ideally situated for the position of Chief Scientific Officer of Cannabis Science," stated Dr. Robert Melamede, President and CEO of Cannabis Science.

About CS-TATI-1

Cannabis Science's research of CS-TATI-1 will be targeted to newly diagnosed patients infected with drug resistant virus, treatment experienced patients with drug-resistant HIV strains, and those intolerant of currently available therapies. Cannabis Science will be pursuing a wide range of NIH-based Federal Research Programs such as RO1's, PO1's and SBIRS which exist to support preclinical development of target validation and proof of concept studies. These studies will be implemented through collaborations with leading scientific institutions. Cannabis Science will also be pursuing other clinical research collaborations including the AIDS Clinical Trials Groups (ACTG), the Canadian AIDS Trial Network (CATN) and the European AIDS Trial Network (EATN).

About CS-S/BCC-1

Cannabis Science is currently working to develop preclinical investigations of CS-S/BCC-1 treatment of basal and squamous cell carcinomas. The Company has begun preclinical investigations, which are being initiated in Europe for squamous/basal cell carcinomas and Kaposi's Sarcoma based on inhibition of carcinogenicity utilizing cannabinoids that have been demonstrated in recent studies to significantly affect tumor necrosis.

About Cannabis Science, Inc.

Cannabis Science, Inc. is at the forefront of cannabinoid research and development for unmet medical needs. The Company works with leading experts in HIV and cancer drug development, medicinal characterization, and clinical research to develop, produce, and commercialize phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products.

Forward Looking Statements

This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," "intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.

Contact:

Cannabis Science Inc.
Dr. Robert J. Melamede, 1-888-889-0888
President & CEO
[email protected]
www.cannabisscience.com

Or

Robert Kane, 1-561-234-6929
VP Investor Relations
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.cannabisscience.com

SOURCE Cannabis Science, Inc.