Laureate Pharma Appoints Steven R. Johnson as Vice President, Business Development

PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Laureate Pharma, Inc., a full-service biopharmaceutical development and protein production company, today announced the appointment of Steven R. Johnson as Vice President, Business Development. Mr. Johnson will be responsible for Laureate's worldwide business development activities, including sales, marketing, business development and project management, supporting the company's contract development, protein manufacturing, testing and aseptic filling businesses.

"Steve brings a proven track record of sales management in the biologics market combined with extensive senior relationships," said Michael A. Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of Laureate Pharma.  "He is an industry leader and brings to Laureate Pharma an impressive background that includes broad international business development experience in contract manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies, biopharmaceuticals and chemical active pharmaceutical ingredients."

"Steve is a great fit at Laureate and is well-positioned to take us to the next level with our clients as we prepare to invest in growth of the business," said Mr. Griffith who recently joined Laureate Pharma as Chief Executive Officer and is also a member of the Board of Directors. He was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aptuit, Inc., and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ChiRex, Inc.

Mr. Johnson joins Laureate from Lonza where he served most recently as Vice President Global Business Development, and previously as Vice President, Sales and Business Development, North America. In both positions, Steve supported several of Lonza's contract manufacturing business units, including cell culture protein manufacturing, microbial protein production and stem cell production. Previously, Steve held the position of Vice President, Sales North America for Degussa Fine Chemicals. He began his career as a microbiologist in Merck's Chemical Manufacturing Division and transitioned to roles of increasing responsibility in purchasing, sourcing and business development. Steve earned a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Illinois and an MBA from James Madison University.

About Laureate Pharma

Laureate Pharma is a full-service biopharmaceutical development and protein production company located in Princeton, NJ.  With more than 30 years of experience, Laureate provides the range of services required for the manufacture of monoclonal antibodies and other biopharmaceutical products produced by mammalian cells including cell line development, media optimization, process development, formulation, pilot production, cGMP production for clinical and commercial supply, aseptic fill/finish, and assistance with regulatory support and CMC documentation. Laureate is a portfolio company of Saints Capital, LLC.

About Saints Capital, LLC.

Saints Capital is a leading direct secondary acquirer of venture capital and private equity investments in emerging growth companies around the globe. It also makes traditional direct venture capital investments on a primary basis and in special situations in technology, healthcare, consumer and industrial companies in the United States. Founded in 2000, Saints provides liquidity for private investors in such markets as investment and commercial banks, buyouts, corporate venture capital and hedge funds. Saints has more than $1 billion of committed capital under management, over 50 completed portfolio transactions and investments in more than 200 companies. For more information, please visit www.saintsvc.com.

SOURCE Laureate Pharma, Inc.