Dr Kenneth Coleman is Novexel new chief scientific officer

Novexel, a speciality pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel antibiotics designed to overcome the significant global problem of microbial resistance, has appointed Dr Kenneth Coleman as its chief scientific officer (CSO).

Coleman brings to Novexel close to three decades of experience of scientific research in the areas of microbiology and pharmacology. Prior to joining Novexel, Coleman was director of the Infection Cellular Biosciences department at AstraZeneca (AZ) R&D in Boston. In this position he was part of the management team which was responsible for creating the vision and implementing the business strategy for AZ Infection. AZ Infection's R&D efforts in Boston were focused on developing anti-bacterial agents with novel modes of action. Moreover, during his time at AZ R&D he managed a number of research and development teams. Prior to joining AZ in 2001, Dr. Coleman was Head of Antimicrobial Profiling & Assay Development at SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals where he was in charge of the in vitro evaluation of all project compounds from discovery through development.

Ceo Novexel Iain Buchanan, said:'I am delighted to welcome Ken to Novexel where he will lead the discovery and preclinical efforts of the Company. The search for novel class anti-infective agents with activity against resistant strains will remain a research priority for the Company. Ken's contribution to this mission will be invaluable.'

Coleman said:'I am delighted to be joining Novexel at such an exciting point in its development as it moves towards its goal of becoming a speciality pharmaceutical company focused on novel anti-infectives. I look forward to working with the Novexel team and to making an important contribution to the Company's future success.'