Press Releases
Axial Biotech Appoints Dr. Roberto Macina to Vice President of Research and Development
Respected Researcher Provides Extensive Experience In Molecular Diagnostics
Salt Lake City, Utah, (February 24, 2009) —
Axial Biotech Inc., a company revolutionizing spine care through the development of molecular diagnostic technologies, announced today that Roberto A. Macina, Ph.D., has joined the executive management team as the company's new Vice President of Research and Development. Dr. Macina will report directly to Kenneth Ward, M.D, Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer for Axial Biotech.
"With over thirteen years of extensive professional experience in the fields of molecular biology, genomics, cancer research, and molecular diagnostics, Dr. Macina will be a valuable addition to Axial's management and research and development teams,” said Dr. Ward. "Dr. Macina made a major contribution to the development of patent protected diagnostic products with high clinical value at diaDexus, Inc. His experience will greatly benefit Axial, as the company expands the indications for ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test, the company’s first DNA based assay.
Dr. Macina holds a B.S. degree in Biology and a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Dr. Macina completed his Post-Doctoral Fellowship at The Wistar Institute. Previous to joining Axial Biotech, Dr. Macina worked with the molecular diagnostics department at SmithKline Beecham in the discovery and characterization of novel genes differentially expressed in different cancers.
“Dr. Macina's decision to join Axial strengthens our company's position as a major player in the molecular diagnostic arena." said John Climaco, President and CEO. "He is joining our senior management team during a period of significant progress and advancement. I am confident that his experience, talent, and energy will very quickly make him a key factor in achieving rapid and efficient advancement of our promising diagnostic products."
“I am extremely excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the continuous growth of Axial Biotech, and to work with a unique combination of talented scientists teamed with skilled medical professionals and expert business specialists,” stated Dr. Macina. “I am looking forward to leading the advancement of Axial Biotech’s research and development, as the company moves forward with the commercialization of the ScoliScore prognostic test. Additionally, I anticipate that I will be able to effectively expedite the research and development efforts on Axial’s pipeline of technologies and products for spinal disorders applications.”
About Axial Biotech
Axial Biotech, Inc. is a privately held, venture-backed company founded in 2002 by a group of internationally recognized spine surgeons and geneticists. The company is focused on developing and commercializing DNA-based pre-symptomatic and prognostic tests, as well as motion-preserving technologies, for common spinal disorders. The company's headquarters and laboratory are located in Salt Lake City, Utah
Media Contact:
Eric K. Olson
Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing
Axial Biotech, Inc.
801-984-9100 ext. 129
eolson@axialbiotech.com
