Dr. Jane Willoughby Joins Protein Polymer Technologies as Director of Business
Development
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 1997 -- Protein Polymer Technologies,
Inc. (Nasdaq: PPTI) announced today that Jane Willoughby, Ph.D., has
joined the Company as Director of Business Development.
Dr. Willoughby was previously General Manager and Project
Consultant for the Advanced Tissue Sciences-Smith and Nephew joint venture set
up to develop tissue engineered cartilage implants. During this time she
played an instrumental role shaping components of the IDE submitted in December
1996. Prior to the joint venture, Dr. Willoughby held the position of Head of
Biological Sciences at the central research facility for Smith & Nephew
plc in York, England. She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from
London University.
"Jane Willoughby brings nine years of experience in the healthcare
industry specializing in woundcare and orthopedics. Her more recent
involvement in tissue engineering within the biotechnology industry will prove
to be very valuable to PPTI's anticipated growth," said J. Thomas Parmeter,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Protein Polymer Technologies.
"Additionally, her experience in joint venture management will assist us in
advancing partnership opportunities, as well."
Protein Polymer Technologies has developed a proprietary protein-based
biotechnology platform, that enables the creation of biomaterials which target
multiple applications in biomedical and specialty use markets. The different
classes of biocompatible polymers developed by PPTI have been genetically
engineered to enable cell growth, promote the regeneration of tissue, bond to
synthetic surfaces and resorb into tissue at controlled rates. These features
of PPTI's protein polymers can be applied to a wide variety of commercial
applications. |