Exhibit 99.1
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: |
|
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Investor Relations |
| Media Relations |
Bernie Hertel |
| Jeff Richardson |
Phone: 858-410-3101 |
| Phone: 805-491-8313 |
Inovio Biomedical Appoints Dr. Michael Fons
as Vice President, Corporate Development
SAN DIEGO, August 21, 2007 — Inovio Biomedical Corporation (AMEX:INO), focused on the development of DNA vaccines for cancers and infectious diseases and a novel alternative to surgery to treat localized cancers, announced today that Michael Fons, PhD, MBA, has been promoted to Vice President, Corporate Development.
Dr. Fons has been focused on business development relating to DNA vaccines and gene therapies for the past dozen years. His experience includes technology assessments, market and competitive analyses, intellectual property management, and defining and negotiating license and other corporate agreements. In the last three years, as Inovio’s Executive Director, Corporate Development, Dr. Fons has been integral in defining Inovio’s corporate strategy relating to DNA vaccines and DNA delivery. He was instrumental in securing license agreements with Wyeth, VGX and Tripep and collaborations with the National Cancer Institute, International Aids Vaccine Initiative, and US Army (funded by the US Department of Defense), as well as acquiring valuable intellectual property assets from Valentis. He also helped establish a strong standard for the management of Inovio’s corporate relationships.
Dr. Fons previously held business development roles with Vical, Valentis, and GeneMedicine. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology with the University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Fons is a published author of 24 papers in scientific journals and numerous book chapters.
“Inovio’s DNA delivery technology may help to significantly extend the boundaries of conventional vaccine development. Mike has shown the leadership, execution skills, knowledge and passion necessary to advance Inovio’s business opportunities in the vaccine space and we are pleased to see him in this new role,” said Dr. Avtar Dhillon, president and CEO.
About Inovio Biomedical Corporation
Inovio Biomedical (AMEX: INO) is focused on developing multiple DNA-based immunotherapies and commercializing its Selective Electrochemical Tumor Ablation (SECTA) therapy. Inovio is a leader in developing human applications of electroporation, which uses brief, controlled electrical pulses to increase cellular uptake of a useful biopharmaceutical. In the case of DNA vaccines, Inovio’s technology has shown it can significantly increase levels of gene expression and immune response. Inovio’s immunotherapy partners include Merck, Wyeth, Vical, University of Southampton, Moffitt Cancer Center, and the U.S. Army, with four DNA-based immunotherapies in Phase I clinical studies. The SECTA therapy for locally treating solid tumors is designed to selectively kill cancerous cells and minimize cosmetic or functional detriments often caused by surgical removal of predominantly healthy tissue typically treated around a tumor. Inovio’s technology is protected by an extensive patent portfolio covering in vivo electroporation. More information is available at www.inovio.com.
11494 Sorrento Valley Road · San Diego, California 92121-1318
Telephone: (858) 597-6006 · Fax: (858) 597-0451 · Email: investor.relations@inovio.com
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