GlycoVaxyn AG announces Addition of Gerd Zettlmeissl, as Chairman of the Board of Directors

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Mar 06, 2013, 02:00 ET

ZURICH-SCHLIEREN, Switzerland, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Following recently signed collaborations with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, GlycoVaxyn AG, a leader in the development of innovative conjugate vaccines, today announced that Gerd Zettlmeissl, will be appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective June 2013, when Michel Greco steps down from the Chairmanship.

Gerd Zettlmeissl has more than 20 years of experience in developing and commercializing vaccines. He spent almost 10 years in executive positions at Intercell AG, first as its Chief Operating Officer from 2001 to 2005 and then as its Chief Executive Officer from 2005 until May 2011. Under his leadership, the company received international approval for the novel Japanese encephalitis vaccine, IXIARO®/JESPECT®, formed major strategic alliances with leading pharmaceutical companies, completed several financings, was elected as 'Technology Pioneer' at the World Economic Forum in 2009 and received the European Biotechnica Award in 2006. Before his tenure at Intercell, he served as the international Head of Industrial and Quality Operations at Chiron Vaccines, and Managing Director of Chiron Behring GmbH & Co. He currently serves on the Boards of several biotechnology companies including Aeras, an organization dedicated to the development of tuberculosis vaccines. He holds a Doctorate from the University of Regensburg.

"Having worked very closely with Gerd at Intercell for a number of years, I am convinced that he will bring a wealth of development experience and entrepreneurial spirit to this very promising company," said Michel Greco, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GlycoVaxyn. "After having chaired the Board for more than seven years, I will work very closely with Gerd to ensure a smooth transition."

Philippe Dro, Chief Executive Officer of GlycoVaxyn added, "The changes to the Board and the appointment of Gerd will contribute to support GlycoVaxyn's strategic ambitions to become a major player in the development of a new generation of vaccines, particularly following our recently signed collaborations with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. We know Gerd very well and share with him a common passion for the development of innovative vaccines. After several years of close collaboration with Michel on this exciting project over the years, I would like to sincerely thank him, on behalf of the whole team, for his strong commitment and support."

About GlycoVaxyn AG

GlycoVaxyn is a privately-funded company developing a portfolio of novel bio-conjugate vaccines against common severe bacterial infections produced with its unique, proprietary in vivo glycosylation platform. With this platform, the company can develop and produce immunogenic glycoprotein conjugates in a biological process that circumvents many of the challenges and uncertainties involved in currently/chemical used methods. In addition to the clinical stage Shigella vaccine, lead programs in preclinical stage are aimed at the prevention of hospital acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections. GlycoVaxyn recently entered collaborations with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. GlycoVaxyn is funded by a top-tier group of private investors including Sofinnova Partners, Index Ventures and Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners. For further information, visit www.glycovaxyn.com.