Helix BioPharma Corp. Appoints New Independent Cha

AURORA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 21, 2014) -  Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP) (FRANKFURT: HBP), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of cancer, today announced the appointment of Mr. Yvon Bastien as the new Chair of the board effective July 17, 2014. Mr. Bastien has served as an independent director of the Company since December 2013 and remains the Chair of the board's Governance & Compensation Committee. Mr. Robert Verhagen has served as Interim Chair since December 2013 and remains a Director of the Company and President and CEO.

"I am very pleased Mr. Bastien has accepted the role of board Chair," said Mr. Verhagen. "As a result of his current service on Helix's Board we have already experienced firsthand his vast amount of knowledge from his involvement in the life science industry both in a leadership capacity and at the board level. I am confident that Helix can only be strengthened going forward with Mr. Bastien as Board Chair."

Following his appointment, Mr. Bastien said, "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Mr. Verhagen for his service as interim Chair during the past seven months, and I thank the board of Helix for their confidence in me. I am excited to work closely with both management and all board members to optimize the development of Helix's oncology portfolio and to continue to work to create value for patients and all stakeholders."

Mr. Bastien has served in leadership roles within the life sciences industry for over 30 years, most recently as past President of Sanofi Canada and past President of Jouveniel. He has also served in executive roles at CIBA Geigy in Switzerland, Laboratoire Debat in Paris, IMS Canada in Montreal, and Eli Lilly in Montreal. He currently serves as chairman of the board for two health care companies and is a director of Bioniche Life Sciences. He previously served as chairman of the board for two other biotech companies.

About Helix BioPharma Corp.

Helix BioPharma Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the field of cancer therapy. The company is actively developing innovative products for the prevention and treatment of cancer based on its proprietary technologies. Helix's product development initiatives include its novel L-DOS47 new drug candidate and its Topical Interferon Alpha-2b. Helix is currently listed on the TSX and FSE under the symbol "HBP".