Pappas Ventures Names Pat Gage to Scientific Advisory Board

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pappas Ventures today announced the appointment of L. Patrick (Pat) Gage, PhD to the company's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).  Dr. Gage has extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, including previously-held senior positions at Hoffmann-La Roche, Genetics Institute and Wyeth (now Pfizer).  Throughout his career, he oversaw the development of more than a dozen marketed biologics and vaccines, as well as several small molecule drugs.

"We are thrilled to have Pat on our team," said Art Pappas, Managing Partner of Pappas Ventures. "His drug development experience will be invaluable to our portfolio companies and his insight in identifying trends and opportunities in the life sciences industry should further enhance our firm's role as a value-added investor."

During his 18-year career at Hoffmann-La Roche, Dr. Gage held several leadership roles in research management, including service as Vice President of Exploratory Research, which was responsible for U.S. drug discovery. Dr. Gage then joined Genetics Institute, Inc. in 1989 and ultimately served as President after Wyeth (now Pfizer) acquired the company. He was then named President of Wyeth Research, taking responsibility for global pharmaceutical and vaccine R&D, as well as global biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Dr. Gage founded enGage Biotech Consulting in 2003 to focus on guiding the development of new biopharmaceutical products and companies. In addition to his consulting work, he currently serves as Chairman of Cytokinetics, Inc. and Chairman of Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals.  He previously was Chairman and subsequently Interim CEO of PDL BioPharma, and was Chairman of Adnexus Therapeutics.

"I am delighted to join Pappas Ventures' SAB. The fund's investments mirror my interest in assisting in the development of high-impact pharmaceutical products."

About Pappas Ventures

Founded in 1994, Pappas Ventures invests exclusively in the life sciences sector – biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, drug delivery, medical devices and related ventures. Pappas Ventures has more than $350 million in capital under management, and has guided the launch and/or development of more than 50 companies, including Plexxikon Inc. (acquired by Daiichi Sankyo), Cerexa (acquired by Forest Laboratories), Peninsula Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Johnson & Johnson), Syntonix (acquired by Biogen IDEC), NuVasive (IPO), and Arena Pharmaceuticals (IPO). Most recently, its portfolio company Tesaro conducted a successful initial public offering. For more information about Pappas Ventures and for further information about Pat Gage and the rest of our distinguished Scientific Advisory Board, please visit www.pappasventures.com.

CONTACT:
Kimberly Hofman-McEnaney
[email protected]
919-745-3652

SOURCE Pappas Ventures