Vector Oncology announces new company name and addition of executive leadership to leverage deep expertise in oncology research

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Vector Oncology Solutions LLC, formerly ACORN Research LLC, is announcing their company name change effective immediately. The change comes as part of a strategic shift focusing on the growth of Vector Oncology's pharmaceutical services (CRO) and HEOR/HOPE data analytics businesses. The company had previously announced the divestiture of its ACORN community oncology research network (SMO) unit to support the research mission of the West Clinic.

Vector Oncology is also announcing the appointment of Michael Choukas as Chief Executive Officer, and Sean Hart as EVP & Managing Director, Pharmaceutical Services. Choukas and Hart join Vector Oncology's President and CMO, Lee Schwartzberg, MD, and Chief Operating Officer, Edward Stepanski, PhD, adding proven pharmaceutical services executive and growth leadership to complement the company's deep oncology and scientific expertise in precision oncology research.

"Michael Choukas has a proven record of strategic innovation, growth, and M&A in our industry and will propel the growth and success of Vector Oncology at this exciting time in the history of our company," said Dr. Schwartzberg. Choukas was founder and CEO of Scirex Corporation, EVP, Strategy and Operations at United Biosource Corporation (UBC), and, most recently, a founding partner of oncology-focused ventures and Partner of the private equity Watermill Group.

"Vector Oncology's world class oncology team coupled with our novel data repository offers sponsors fast, targeted and cost effective oncology research services and superior clinical and business intelligence, while supporting advances in cancer care," said Choukas."

"Sean Hart has consistently delivered dynamic and profitable growth in global pharmaceutical services and brings special expertise managing real-world, late stage development services, including prospective, observational, registry and HEOR business lines," said Choukas. Hart was CEO of BBCI and, most recently, General Manager of Global Product Approval and Commercialization at UBC.

"Mike and Sean have powerful skillsets and expertise that are highly complementary to the existing scientific proficiency at Vector Oncology," added Dr. Stepanski. "They have already made significant contributions that are advancing the competitiveness of our company."

About Vector Oncology

Vector Oncology is a leader of oncology specific biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services. Our novel data repository comprised of aggregated clinical (EMR), patient reported outcomes, genomic, physician notes and billing data powers a broad array of retrospective and prospective HEOR projects that provide an understanding of current practice in oncology care. Vector Oncology also provides comprehensive clinical trial services with specific expertise in supporting and accelerating early phase clinical trials and providing real-world late stage services. All Vector Oncology services are informed by our data repository and medical oncologists who are active members of our team.

VectorOncology.com

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