PaxVax CEO Nima Farzan Joins Board of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PaxVax today announced its President and CEO, Nima Farzan, has been invited to join the interim board of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) as the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) delegate. CEPI is a new, public-private alliance designed to speed the development of new vaccines to prevent and contain global epidemics. Sparked by recent gaps in vaccine preparedness for outbreaks of Zika and Ebola, CEPI aims to facilitate the creation of an arsenal of vaccines to prevent diseases such as these from becoming public health emergencies in the future.

"PaxVax is committed to developing and delivering vaccines that address global public health threats. In joining the CEPI leadership, I look forward to continue pursuing innovative efforts aimed to prepare against future pandemics," said Farzan. "As biotech companies have both the expertise and responsibility to take part in this cause, I am thrilled to join CEPI's visionary team of experts in the global fight to protect against infectious diseases."

CEPI was founded by the Wellcome Trust, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Economic Forum and the governments of Norway and India. The organization will finance, coordinate and facilitate the development of vaccines for potential global threats before outbreaks begin. Farzan joins CEPI's board of global leaders from academia, government, non-profits and industry, gathered to shape an informed, collaborative approach to ensure vaccines are available for all populations who need them.

"We have seen in recent outbreaks that when working alone, industry players face barriers to vaccine development," Farzan said. "CEPI's collaborative approach is vital in taking on global health threats. I am proud to serve on its board among leaders forging a unified response to pandemics."

Farzan has been President and CEO of PaxVax since 2015 and previously served as Chief Operating Officer from 2011. He has extensive biopharmaceutical experience, most recently providing leadership at PaxVax in the advancement of a vaccine for cholera from research and development through to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

About PaxVax

PaxVax develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative specialty vaccines against infectious diseases present and emerging in the developing world. PaxVax has licensed vaccines for typhoid fever (Vivotif^®) and cholera (Vaxchora^™), and vaccines at various stages of research and clinical development for adenovirus, anthrax, hepatitis A, HIV, and Zika. PaxVax is focused on traditionally overlooked markets such as travel, and as part of its social mission, PaxVax is also working to make its vaccines available to broader populations most affected by these diseases. PaxVax is headquartered in Redwood City, California and maintains research and development and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities in San Diego, California and Bern, Switzerland and other operations in Bermuda and Europe. More information is available at www.PaxVax.com.

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