Dr Goeran Ando has joined the board of directors at French pharma company NicOx, effective immediately. Dr Ando served as ceo of Celltech until its acquisition by UCB was completed in 2004. He also recently joined Novexel as chairman of the board.
Dr Ando stated: 'I am delighted to join the board of NicOx, a company recognised for its strong technology platform and promising development candidates.' Michele Garufi, chairman and ceo of NicOx, commented: 'Dr. Ando's appointment brings strong drug development and commercial experience from the pharmaceutical industry to NicOx. We are confident that he will provide a significant contribution in this important stage of our company as our most advanced drug candidate, HCT 3012, the lead compound in the CINOD class, advances toward Phase III clinical trials in osteoarthritis.'
Dr. Ando's position on the board replaces that of Dr Bjoern Odlander, ceo of HealthCap. Garufi stated: 'We are very grateful to Bjoern Odlander for his continued valuable support and advice over the past six years. Dr Odlander played an important role in the initial phase of the starting up of NicOx and its transition into a public company.'