NEW YORK, Aug. 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anavex Life Sciences Corp. ("Anavex" or the "Company") (OTCQB: AVXL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel drug candidates to treat Alzheimer's disease, other diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and various types of cancer, announced today the appointment of Tasos Zografidis, PhD as Vice President, Clinical Operations. In this newly created position, Dr. Zografidis will be responsible for managing Anavex's clinical programs, including the upcoming Phase 2a clinical trial for ANAVEX 2-73 and ANAVEX PLUS, the Company's lead drug candidate combination in Alzheimer's disease.
"Dr. Zografidis is a tremendous addition to our management team and I am very pleased to welcome him to Anavex," said Christopher U. Missling, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anavex. "Dr. Zografidis has extensive pharmaceutical industry experience in clinical operations and project management across a variety of therapeutic areas. One of his most valuable strengths is the knowledge of applying population pharmacokinetics to analyze variability in drug concentrations between patients and hence provide additional safety details often requested by regulatory authorities. In addition, Dr. Zografidis has considerable knowledge in regulatory compliance and working with clinical contract research organizations (CROs) to improve overall business practices."
Dr. Zografidis has more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, including 12 years at Wyeth (now Pfizer) in clinical project management and prior to joining Anavex most recently served as clinical and pharmaceutical consultant. He has been involved in more than a dozen clinical trials and has co-authored numerous publications.
At Wyeth, Dr. Zografidis spearheaded population pharmacokinetics analysis and its implementation in the clinical setting and positively differentiated compounds. His work resulted in increased sales and he received several clinical awards for his accomplishments. Dr. Zografidis first joined Wyeth in 1998 as a Product Manager. During his tenure until 2010, he had increased responsibility as Medical Liaison for the transplantation, haemophilia and oncology divisions where he was instrumental in driving sales in assigned European territories.
"Anavex has an innovative and exciting drug platform that offers great potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological indications," said Dr. Zografidis. "I am very excited to join the team and look forward to applying my experience in clinical trial execution combined with population pharmacokinetics, particularly with respect to the upcoming Phase 2a trial of ANAVEX 2-73 and ANAVEX PLUS, to treat Alzheimer's disease."
About Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. ( www.anavex.com ) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of novel drug candidates to treat Alzheimer's disease, other CNS diseases and various types of cancer. ANAVEX 2-73, an orally available drug candidate developed to treat Alzheimer's disease through potential disease modification, has undergone an initial Phase 1 human clinical trial and was well tolerated in doses up to 55mg. Results from preclinical studies indicate that ANAVEX 2-73 demonstrates anti-amnesic and neuroprotective properties. A highly encouraging synergistic effect has also been observed between ANAVEX 2-73 and donepezil (Aricept®). The combined therapeutic, called ANAVEX PLUS, produced up to 80% greater reversal of memory loss in Alzheimer's disease models versus when the drugs were used individually. Anavex is a publicly traded corporation quoted as AVXL.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature are forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in any of such statements due to various factors, including the risks set forth in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Anavex Life Sciences Corp. undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. Research & Business Development Toll-free: 1-844-689-3939 Email: Shareholder & Media Relations Toll-free: 1-866-505-2895 Outside North America: +1 (416) 489-0092 Email: www.anavex.com
