Healthcare Industry News: Bio-Rad Laboratories
News Release - May 18, 2006
IntegraGen Appoints Jorg Leenings as Head of Sales and Marketing of its German Competence Centre for Genetic Diabetes Testing
PARIS, France--(HSMN NewsFeed)--May 18, 2006--IntegraGen, the personalized healthcare company focused on the development and delivery of genetic tests for complex diseases announced today the appointment of Jorg Leenings as Head of Sales and Marketing for its Competence Centre for MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) diabetes and other genetic causes of diabetes, in Bonn, Germany.A German native, Jorg Leenings brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial diagnostic companies, most notably as Group Product Manager and Sales & Marketing manager at Bio-Rad Laboratories GmbH in Munich. Jorg spent nearly 15 years at BIO-RAD and was previously at ABBOTT GmbH for 6 years. Jorg also worked as a consultant, coordinating clinical studies for new products to achieve CE certification and FDA approval. He received his diploma in Chemical Engineering from Aachen University of Applied Sciences.
Welcoming Jorg Leenings in his new position, Dr Jan Mous, President and CEO of IntegraGen said:
"Jorg has broad experience in the commercialization of diagnostic products and I am sure that he will make a significant and valuable contribution to our company. We are delighted to welcome him on board."
Commenting on his new role at IntegraGen, Jorg Leenings added:
"I am very excited by the opportunity of heading IntegraGen's first Competence Centre for diabetes testing in Germany. This is one of the prime centres of its kind in Europe, providing expertise in both MODY testing and other genetic causes of diabetes together with expert analysis and genetic counselling."
IntegraGen is focused on the development of diagnostic and prognostic genetic tests for complex diseases using its novel technology platform for gene identification (Genome HIP(TM)). In 2005, IntegraGen completed a EUR 8 million financing that is being used to further develop the Company's genetic tests and to launch them into the market. The company anticipates launching further genetic tests for late onset type 2 diabetes in 2008.
Notes to editors:
About IntegraGen
IntegraGen SA uses its unique genomic analysis expertise to identify genes associated with complex diseases and to develop diagnostic and predictive genetic tests. The Company applies its innovative gene mapping technology, GenomeHIP® (Genome Hybrid Identity Profiling), to rapidly discover genetic loci that are implicated in complex, multi-factorial diseases. GenomeHIP® is a major advance that overcomes the limitations of existing marker based familial linkage study methods.
IntegraGen is applying its discoveries to develop a series of innovative IntegraTests(TM) and is poised to become a leader in the rapidly growing field of predictive medicine. The Company will be a fully integrated provider of genetic tests that can be used to predict, prevent, diagnose and tailor personalized treatments for complex diseases. Testing will be provided as a service through Expert Centers, which will also provide expert analysis and genetic counseling from an accredited MD-geneticist. The Company's first Expert Center was established in 2005 in Bonn, Germany, to provide the Company's first testing service for MODY diabetes (Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young). The Company's strategy is to develop molecular diagnostic tools for selected disease areas with high medical need. IntegraGen's in-house programs are focused on specific neurological disorders, like autism and bi-polar disorder, and metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Founded in July 2000, IntegraGen has 34 employees and is based in the French Genopole of Evry, near Paris, France, and in Bonn, Germany. More information can be found at www.integragen.com
About MODY
Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is an unusual type of diabetes accounting for up to 5% of all diabetes (Type 1 and 2 compounded) worldwide. It is characterized by an early onset of symptoms, typically under the age of 25 in patients with family histories of the disease. Early detection and diagnosis is key to preventing the debilitating side effects of diabetes such as nephropathies, retinopathies and neuropathies.
Source: IntegraGen
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