Creabilis Appoints George F. Horner III as its Chairman

LUXEMBOURG, September 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Creabilis SA, a clinical stage European biotechnology company addressing significant unmet medical needs in dermatological diseases, today announced the appointment of George F. Horner III as its Chairman. Mr Horner brings to Creabilis an unrivalled track record in building successful biotech businesses that have generated significant value for their shareholders.

Mr Horner has over 40 years industry experience gained with both biotech and big pharma companies. He was most recently the CEO of Prestwick Pharmaceuticals, a private CNS company that was sold to Biovail Corporation and Ovation Pharmaceuticals in late 2008. Prior to joining Prestwick, Mr Horner was the CEO of Vicuron, a publicly listed anti-infectives company that was sold to Pfizer for $1.9 billion in 2005. Mr Horner also worked for Ligand Pharmaceuticals following a successful career at Abbott Laboratories where his final position was as President of the company's business in Canada. Mr Horner has also acted as an adviser to a number of specialist life science investors in recent years.

Commenting on his new role, George F. Horner III said: "I am excited to be joining Creabilis given its potential to deliver the genuine innovation that is needed to transform the dermatology market. I have been attracted to this opportunity by the Company's rich pipeline of clinical and pre-clinical drug candidates focussed on dermatological indications, its deep understanding of the science behind a number of serious skin disorders, as well as its unique technology platform with broad utility. I am sure that from this strong base we will be able to generate significant value for Creabilis shareholders."

Graziano Seghezzi, Partner at Sofinnova, said: "We are delighted to have someone with George's track record in building successful high-value biotech businesses as Chairman of Creabilis. I am sure his strategic and operational experience will be vital as we look to progress the Company's exciting pipeline, build the management team and develop our LSE (Low Systemic Exposure) technology, so that Creabilis can generate new prescription medicines that will make a significant improvement to the treatment of skin diseases."

About Creabilis SA

Creabilis is a clinical stage European biotechnology company creating highly innovative new drugs to tackle unmet medical needs in serious dermatological diseases. Bringing together world class drug development capabilities and a rich scientific heritage, Creabilis is uniquely positioned to transform the treatment of skin diseases.

Creabilis' lead product is CT327, a novel topically applied TrkA kinase inhibitor developed using the Company's LSE (Low Systemic Exposure) technology. LSE technology creates new chemical entities with ideal characteristics for topical application (high local concentrations combined with low systemic exposure). CT327 is currently in Phase II clinical trials in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The Creabilis portfolio also includes CT637, a new approach to the treatment of significant inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis as well as severe psoriasis. Earlier stage projects include a number of highly promising candidates for dermatological and wider indications.

Creabilis is backed by some of Europe's most highly respected life sciences investors including Sofinnova Partners and Neomed.

    For more information, please visit: http://www.creabilis-sa.com

    For further information please contact:
    Creabilis SA
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Creabilis SA
    15 Rue Edward Steichen
    L-2540 LUXEMBOURG

    Citigate Dewe Rogerson
    Chris Gardner or Nina Enegren
    Tel: +44(0)20-7282-1050
    E-mail: [email protected]


SOURCE Creabilis SA