Ron Laufer named Senior Managing Director of MedImmune Ventures

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Jun 10, 2010, 08:00 ET

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- MedImmune announced today that Ron Laufer, M.D., has been appointed Senior Managing Director of MedImmune Ventures, the company's venture capital arm. Laufer's appointment will strengthen MedImmune's long-term commitment to supporting scientific innovation through strategic venture capital investments.

"I am pleased to welcome Ron Laufer aboard at MedImmune, and we are honored to have such an experienced, high-caliber individual join our team," said Peter Greenleaf, MedImmune's president. "MedImmune Ventures has been a pioneer in making investments in start-up biologics companies. I look forward to Ron's leadership of MedImmune Ventures on its path to continued success."

As both a physician and a venture capitalist, Ron brings more than 15 years of experience to MedImmune Ventures. He was a co-founder of Lilly Ventures, Eli Lilly and Company's corporate venture capital fund. Ron was also a Managing Director for Visium Asset Management, a healthcare-focused investment firm, where he established the firm's venture capital team. Ron received an M.B.A. from Harvard University and joint Master of Public Health and M.D. degrees from Hebrew University.

"I am delighted to join MedImmune Ventures at this exciting time in biopharmaceutical research," said Laufer. "I look forward to building on a successful history and supporting promising products and companies as they pursue our shared commitment to improving patient health."

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the worldwide biologics unit for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,300 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of promising drug candidates, MedImmune strives to deliver life-changing products, a rewarding career to our employees and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit MedImmune's website at www.medimmune.com.

http://www.medimmune.com

SOURCE MedImmune