HILLSIDE, N.J., Nov. 14, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Integrated Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq:INBP) today announced the appointment of Robert L. Erwin as President of its wholly-owned subsidiary, InB:Biotechnologies, Inc. ("Biotech"). Mr. Erwin will lead the implementation of INBP's plant-based vaccine and therapeutics strategy, and guide the development of Biotech as an independent company.
"We are extremely pleased that an executive of Mr. Erwin's experience and capability has joined us in our program to enhance shareholder value in INBP by leading InB:Biotechnologies," said E. Gerald Kay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of INBP.
InB:Biotechnologies, Inc. has developed a novel, proprietary platform technology for the rapid, efficient and economical manufacture of biopharmaceuticals, including vaccine antigens, antibodies and other therapeutic proteins. The Company has established an exclusive commercial relationship with the Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology and the lead product candidates from the joint program include influenza vaccines and an antiviral therapeutic for treatment of influenza.
"I look forward to working with Mr. Erwin, whom I have respected for many years for his pioneering work in laying the groundwork for plant-made pharmaceuticals to become a practical reality," said Dr. Vidadi Yusibov, Executive Director of the Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology and a Director of INBP.
"INBP has brought an impressive and successful combination of business talent and creative scientific progress to InB:Biotechnologies. I look forward to working with the team to achieve even greater success," said Mr. Erwin.
Mr. Erwin led Large Scale Biology Corporation from its founding in 1988 through 2003, including a successful initial public offering in 2000, and continued as non-executive Chairman until 2006. He served as Chairman of Icon Genetics AG from 1999 until its acquisition by a subsidiary of Bayer AG in 2006. Mr. Erwin recently served as Managing Director of Bio-Strategic Directors LLC, providing consulting services to the life sciences industry. He is currently Chairman of Novici Biotech, a private biotechnology company and a Director of Resolve Therapeutics, Inc.
Mr. Erwin's non-profit work focuses on applying scientific advances to clinical medicine, especially in the field of oncology. He is co-founder, President and Director of the Marti Nelson Cancer Foundation, and a member of the Research Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
About Integrated BioPharma, Inc. (INBP)
Integrated BioPharma is a unique grouping of companies presently serving the varied needs of the health care industry. Through its nutraceutical business, the Company creates, develops, manufactures and markets products worldwide. The Company's biotechnology business uses its patented plant-based technology to produce vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. Its pharmaceutical business operates a cGMP facility for the production and sale of Paclitaxel and related drugs and provides technical services through its contract research organization. Further information is available at www.ibiopharma.com
Statements included in this release related to Integrated BioPharma, Inc. may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties such as competitive factors, technological development, market demand, and the Company's ability to obtain new contracts and accurately estimate net revenues due to variability in size, scope and duration of projects. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect the Company's financial results can be found in the company's Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.