Mark J. Kontny, Ph.D. Named to Board of Directors of Avista Pharma Solutions

DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Avista Pharma Solutions, Inc. ("Avista Pharma") is pleased to announce that Mark J. Kontny, Ph.D. has joined its team as a member of its Board of Directors (BOD). Dr. Kontny is a significant voice for the Life Sciences industry and has extensive experience in formulation, pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing. His previous industry roles include President, Pharmaceutical Development Services and Chief Scientific Officer for Patheon, Divisional VP, Global Pharmaceutical and Analytical Sciences for Abbott Laboratories, Senior Director for Pharmacia/Monsanto/GD Searle and nearly ten years at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.

"We are delighted that Dr. Kontny has joined our BOD during this time of rapid growth at Avista Pharma," said Mr. Patrick Walsh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Avista Pharma. "He brings a wealth of experience and industry leadership, and will play an active role in the expansion activities of the company."

"Avista Pharma has quickly emerged as a leader in the CDMO industry, investing in comprehensive capabilities across multiple locations, and has a very experienced management team," said Dr. Kontny. "It is rare to find such a combination of experience, capabilities, capacity and a commitment to investments. I am excited to be a part of this unique opportunity."

Dr. Kontny has B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has over 30 years of professional experience in pharmaceutical development, has contributed to over 30 new product approvals, and is listed on 18 patents or pending patent applications. Dr. Kontny brings industry experience in pharmaceutical product development services, NCE & NBE formulation and process development, physical/chemical and solid state input for drug candidate selection, analytical technology development, release and stability testing, technology transfer and CMC team leadership.

About Avista Pharma Solutions:

Avista Pharma, a portfolio company of Ampersand Capital Partners, is a leading contract testing, development and manufacturing organization (CDMO).  With three Centers of Excellence across the U.S. (Agawam, MA - Durham, NC - Longmont, CO), the Company includes over 200,000 square feet of laboratory and manufacturing space serving pharmaceutical, animal health and medical device clients.  Avista Pharma's broad, comprehensive services range from early stage discovery, API/Drug Product development and cGMP manufacturing to stand-alone analytical and microbiology testing support. For more information on Avista Pharma Solutions, please visit www.avistapharma.com.

About Ampersand Capital Partners:

Ampersand is a middle market private equity firm with a focus on growth equity investments in the healthcare sector. Over the past two decades, Ampersand has managed more than $1 billion in private equity partnerships. Ampersand leverages its unique blend of private equity and operating experience to build value and drive superior long-term performance alongside its portfolio company management teams. Additional information about Ampersand is available at www.ampersandcapital.com.

Contact:
Avista Pharma Solutions
Jeff A. Parrott, Ph.D.
Corporate Communications
919-283-1225
[email protected]

SOURCE Avista Pharma Solutions, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.avistapharma.com