EXHIBIT 99.1
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For immediate release
PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT PHASE I - NORTH AMERICA
MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JANUARY 11TH, 2000 - Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc.
(NASDAQ: PHXI; TSE: PHX) today announced the appointment of Gerald J. Merritt,
MS, PharmD, as Senior Vice President Phase I - North America. In this new
position, Mr. Merritt will be responsible for establishing the strategy related
to all activities of Phoenix's Phase I Operation in North America. In
particular, Mr. Merritt will direct and oversee the company's Phase I operations
in Cincinnati, as well as plan, develop and implement a First-in-Man (FIM)
clinic in Montreal once the Canadian regulations are favorable to this new
business.
"We are delighted to welcome Mr. Merritt to Phoenix. He is an accomplished
manager, researcher and problem solver with extensive clinical experience. He
directed one of the most successful global Phase I units and that will
undoubtedly help us achieve our goal, which is to maximize profit in all
operations," said Dr. Stephane Huguet, President and COO Global Analytical and
Phase I Services.
Mr. Merritt comes to Phoenix from PPD Development in Austin, Texas, where he
worked as Executive Director, Clinics North America. Prior to that, he held the
following positions: Chief of Clinical Investigations and Life Sciences, United
States Air Force (USAF), Washington, DC; Director of Clinical Investigation
Facility, David Grant Medical Center in Fairfield, CA; Chief of Clinical
Pharmacy Services at Wilford Hall Medical Center, in San Antonio, Texas; Chief
of Inpatient & Clinical Pharmacy Services, David Grant Medical Center in
Fairfield, CA; Chief of Drug Information and Inpatient Pharmacy Services at the
Malcolm Grow Medical Center in Washington, DC.
"This is an exiting opportunity. Phoenix is a world leader in early stage
pharmaceutical development and has clearly defined growth objectives. I look
forward to making a strong contribution as part of the Phoenix management team,
" said Mr. Merritt.
Mr. Merritt obtained his Doctorate of Pharmacy (with an emphasis in adult
medicine and pharmacokinetics) at the University of Texas, in 1983, and his
Master of Science in Pharmacy (with an emphasis in drug information) at the
University of North Carolina, in 1976. His achievements in research and clinical
services are numerous: he managed three high revenue research clinics with over
300 beds and more than 250 staff. He developed and directed USAF's first drug
information center and the most comprehensive clinical pharmacy service at a
1000 bed medical center, where he worked with over 90 pharmacy staff, 450
physicians and 1000 nurses. He also directed the USAF's multi-million dollar
biomedical research program while reviewing over 400 research protocols per
year, as well as establishing and managing the USAF's third clinical research
facility. Mr. Merritt has served as the key link between U.S. and NATO allies
for aeromedical research, leading a team of over 30 U.S. scientists to present
papers and develop standards at an international level. He has to his credit 11
peer-reviewed publications and 35 professional presentations.
Over the years, Mr. Merritt has been the recipient of various prestigious
awards, including the United States Air Force Outstanding Pharmacist; The Legion
of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and five Meritorious Service Medals
for developing innovative pharmacy and research programs. He also engages in
community activities and has served as Chairman of the Board for the American
Diabetes Association and the American Pharmaceutical Association.
ABOUT PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL
Phoenix International is one of the world's leading contract research
organizations. The company is a global leader in early stage pharmaceutical
development and has a growing presence in late stage pharmaceutical development.
Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Phoenix International employs over 2,000
people in 19 countries around the world. Phoenix International is on the
worldwide web at www.pils.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Richard Gareau, Director of Communications
Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc.
Tel: (514) 333-0033, extension 4638
E-mail: richard.gareau@pils.com