Directorate Change

RNS Number : 7955X

Epistem Holdings plc

24 November 2014

 

Epistem

Directorate change

Epistem Holdings Plc (LSE: EHP) the personalised medicine and biotechnology company, is pleased to announce that Dr. Ian Gilham has joined the Board as a non-executive director and chairman designate with immediate effect.  As previously announced, David Evans, the chairman of Epistem since 2006 will be standing down as chairman at the point that the company launches Genedrive® its revolutionary handheld molecular diagnostic device in India, which is expected early in 2015. 

Dr. Ian David Gilham, aged 54, is currently non-executive chairman of three life sciences companies including AIM quoted Horizon Discovery Group plc, which provides research tools to support translational genomics and the development of personalized medicine, Multiplicom NV focussed on the development and commercialisation of DNA sequencing products and Biosurfit SA, focussed on development and commercialisation of point-of-care diagnostic products.  Dr. Gilham was formerly chief executive officer of Axis-Shield plc.

In accordance with Schedule Two (g) and Rule 17 of the AIM Rules for Companies, the following information in relation to the appointment of Dr Gilham is disclosed:

Current directorships:

Horizon Discovery Group plc
Stowheath Limited
Concepta Diagnostics Limited
Gentian AS
Multiplicom n.v.
Biosurfit s.a.

Past five years directorships:

Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited
Axis-Shield Limited
Axis-Shield Laboratory Products Limited
Leeds Reproductive Bioscience Limited

Other than the information provided above, there is no further information to be disclosed under Schedule Two (g) and Rule 17 of the AIM Rules for Companies.

Commenting on the appointment, Matthew Walls, Chief Executive Officer, said: "I would like to thank David Evans for his exemplary chairmanship and absolute commitment to Epistem and to the wider non-executive directors for their focus and commitment in finding a chairman designate. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ian Gilham to the Board. Ian's industry background, knowledge and expertise will be an invaluable addition and I look forward to working closely with Ian to strengthen Epistem as we prepare for our first commercial product launch."

For further details please see contact:

Epistem Holdings Plc

Matthew Walls: Chief Executive Officer                                                         ++44 (0)161 606 7258

John Rylands: Finance Director

Peel Hunt LLP

James Steel                                                                                                           ++44 (0)207 418 8900

Clare Terlouw

Walbrook PR

Mike Wort                                                                                                             ++44 (0)207 933 8780

Anna Dunphy

Please see http://www.epistem.co.ukfor additional information.

Notes to Editors:

About Epistem

Epistem (http://www.epistem.co.uk) is a personalised medicine and biotechnology company commercialising its technology and expertise in the areas of infectious and epithelial disease (oncology, gastrointestinal and dermatological). Epistem develops innovative diagnostics and pharmacogenomics (Genedrive^®), target discovery of novel therapeutics and contract research services for drug development companies. Epistem operates three divisions, Personalised Medicine (Diagnostics and Pharmacogenomics), Contract Research Services and Novel Therapies.

Genedrive® (http://www.genedrive.com) provides a major advance in next-generation molecular diagnostic testing by providing a handheld, rapid, low-cost, simple-to-use 'point of care' device with high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of infectious diseases. Genedrive® aims to provide a 'gold standard' identification of tuberculosis and antibiotic resistance. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has publicly recommended that nations incorporate new rapid molecular tests for tuberculosis into their disease testing programs.

Epistem's Genedrive®platform has applications across a wide range of bacterial, viral and fungal and somatic mutation diseases for which Epistem is developing a menu of diagnostic tests.

 

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