Experienced Biotechnology Executive to Lead Innovative Regenerative Medicine Company Dedicated to Creating Solutions for the Treatment of Nerve Damage
Vancouver, Canada. June 21, 2018 – NervGen Pharma Corp. (“NervGen”), a private regenerative medicine company dedicated to the advancement of innovative therapeutics for the treatment of spinal cord injury and nerve damage, today announced the appointment of Ernest Wong, PhD MBA, as President & Chief Executive Officer.
“Dr. Wong brings a wealth of pharmaceutical expertise and experience gained through a career spanning more than 20 years with innovative and growing biotechnology companies,” stated Bill Radvak, NervGen’s Executive Chairman. “From being a drug discovery scientist to leading advanced clinical development programs to becoming a seasoned business executive securing global business licensing deals and M&A transactions, one of Dr. Wong’s key strengths is the variety of leadership roles he has played. His breadth of abilities and experience is invaluable as we build a world leading company to create new therapies for spinal cord injury and nerve damage.”
Dr. Wong joins NervGen from Accera Inc., a private Nestle Healthcare backed central nervous systems company, where he was responsible for corporate development and business transactions. Prior to Accera, Dr. Wong was Head of Business Development at Piramal Imaging GmbH, a Bayer spinout company, where he executed multiple commercial agreements as part of the global commercial launch of an Alzheimer’s neuroimaging agent. He also executed various licenses and collaborations as part of the company’s R&D programs. In 2013, he played a pivotal leadership role in Gilead’s $510 million acquisition of publicly trading YM BioSciences Inc. His experience also includes executing transactions at OSI Pharmaceuticals, acquired by Astellas for over $4 billion, and AnorMED Inc., acquired by Genzyme for over $500 million. His drug development experience includes leadership roles in a Phase 3 first-in-class oncology drug program at OSI Pharmaceutical and a Phase 2 cytotoxic anti-tumor program at AnorMED. Dr. Wong holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia and an MBA from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
“I am very excited to join NervGen and to build a leading organization dedicated to the advancement of therapies for spinal cord injury and nerve damage,” said Dr. Wong. “Spinal cord injury and conditions associated with nerve damage are a clear unmet medical need and our mission is to create innovative solutions that improve the lives of millions of patients suffering from spinal cord injury and nerve-related traumas and diseases.”
ABOUT NERVGEN
NervGen Pharma Corporation is a regenerative medicine company dedicated to the advancement of innovative therapeutics for spinal cord injury and nerve regeneration. The Company plans to create revolutionary technologies that promote nerve regeneration. The Company will identify, evaluate and develop other drug candidates for other medical conditions arising from nerve damage.
ABOUT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The nervous system is the body’s command center, a complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body. It controls movement, thoughts, senses, heartbeat, breathing and numerous body functions vital to living.
Nerve damage, from loss of sensation to paralysis, occurs with physical traumas such as car accidents and combat injuries. It also occurs with multiple sclerosis, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other diseases and traumas in which the nerves are damaged. Protective mechanisms in the body prevent or inhibit regeneration of the nervous system. Millions of individuals are affected globally and hundreds of billions of healthcare dollars spent to manage medical conditions arising from nerve injury. There are currently no drugs available to regenerate injured nerves and allow the individual to regain or improve key bodily functions.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Ernest Wong, President & CEO
ewong@nervgenpharma.com
Bill Radvak, Executive Chairman
bradvak@nervgenpharma.com
