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ContraVir Strengthens Its Board of Directors with the Addition of Virology Expert, Scientist, and Entrepreneur, Timothy M. Block, Ph.D. [Global Data Point]
[April 23, 2014]

ContraVir Strengthens Its Board of Directors with the Addition of Virology Expert, Scientist, and Entrepreneur, Timothy M. Block, Ph.D. [Global Data Point]


(Global Data Point Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) A renowned researcher and opinion leader in the field of virology, Dr. Block is a professor and founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation. His scientific work centers on the study and treatment of chronic viral infections including hepatitis B and C, and herpes simplex virus. Dr. Block has invented or co-invented several compounds designed to treat liver cancer and viral infection.



"Tim brings to us a wealth of experience in the virology field, and I am thrilled that he will provide his valuable insights to the company as we execute on our strategy to develop FV-100 to treat PHN pain associated with shingles, and to seek out additional targeted antiviral compounds for the pipeline," stated James Sapirstein, Chief Executive Officer of ContraVir Pharmaceuticals. "He complements our recently established Board of Directors, which has both the scientific and management rigor to build ContraVir into a leading virology company".

Timothy M. Block, Ph.D. currently serves as Co-founder and President of the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. He is also Director of the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute (formerly called the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research). In addition to his contribution to the virology field with the discovery of drug compounds to treat liver cancer and hepatitis B and C, Dr. Block is the inventor or co-inventor of several assays designed to aid in the drug development of antiviral compounds, as well as assays to detect biomarkers for liver cancer and hepatitis. Several of those inventions are used by drug companies or institutions. Dr. Block also serves as President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, created by the HBF, which is home to more than 300 employees working in 38 small start-up life science and technology companies. At the Center, Dr. Block serves as a mentor to start-up companies, where he advises on strategic and scientific planning, as well as funding opportunities. Dr. Block is a leader in translational research as both a scientist and entrepreneur. He has participated in FDA Advisory Panels, and has been called to testify in front of several Congressional, State legislative and FDA committees. He is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology %7E Immunology at Drexel University College of Medicine, and is Director of the Drexel Institute for Biotechnology and Virology Research.


Additional Members of ContraVir's Board of Directors Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D., Chairman: Over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries across multiple disciplines including R%7ED, operations, and business development. Chief Executive Officer of Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (SGYP), Director, Trovagene, Inc.

Chris McGuigan, Ph.D., Director: Inventor of FV-100, ContraVir's principal antiviral drug candidate. More than 200 scientific publications, over 100 patents, inventor on 3 New Chemical Entities that have entered clinical trials. Professor and Head of Medicinal Chemistry, Welsh School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Cardiff University.

John P. Brancaccio, C.P.A., Director: Chief Financial Officer of Accelerated Technologies, Inc., an incubator for medical device companies. Chief Financial Officer of Memory Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company from May 2002 through March 2004. Former Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer of Eline Group, an entertainment and media company. Serves as a Director for Tamir Biotechnology, Inc., Trovagene, Inc., and Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc.

James Sapirstein, Chief Executive Officer and Director: Over 30 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Served as CEO of Alliqua Therapeutics, Inc. and Tobira Therapeutics, Inc. Leadership roles at Serono Laboratories, Gilead Sciences, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Hoffmann-LaRoche. Start up and turn-around specialist. Significant experience in management, licensing, strategic planning, and marketing within the antiviral drug segment.

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