RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Aug. 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tranzyme Pharma (Nasdaq:TZYM) today announced that Brent Bankosky has joined the Company as Vice President, Business Development. In his new position, Mr. Bankosky will be responsible for furthering the partnerships and licensing of Tranzyme's advanced drug candidates, ulimorelin and TZP-102, and its proprietary drug discovery technology (MATCH™). Since 2008, this role has been filled on a consultancy basis by Jennifer A. Filbey, Ph.D. who will continue to serve the Company as she and Mr. Bankosky work together to effect the transition.
"Brent has extensive experience in forging partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and his proven track record will be a tremendous asset to Tranzyme," said Vipin K. Garg, Ph.D., Tranzyme Pharma's President and CEO. "I also want to take this time to personally recognize Jenny Filbey's passion and dedication over the past three years; she has played and integral role in helping Tranzyme develop and secure the important partnerships we have to date."
Mr. Bankosky brings to Tranzyme significant global licensing, business development and marketing experience. Most recently, he was Senior Director, Global Licensing and Business Development, with Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. Prior to Takeda, he held various positions with STERIS, PlantGenix, GlaxoSmithKline and Schering-Plough. Mr. Bankosky received his B.S. in microbiology and his MBA from Pennsylvania State University, and his M.S. in molecular biology from Lehigh University.
About Tranzyme Pharma
Tranzyme Pharma is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel, mechanism-based therapeutics for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders. While approximately 20 percent of adults worldwide are affected by these persistent and recurring conditions which disrupt the normal movement of food throughout the GI tract, currently there are a limited number of safe and effective treatment options. Tranzyme is developing an intravenous drug, ulimorelin, for patients in acute (hospital-based) settings, as well as an oral drug (TZP-102) for chronic conditions. Ulimorelin is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials and TZP-102 is entering Phase 2b. Together these product candidates target a significant underserved market. By leveraging its proprietary drug discovery technology, Tranzyme is committed to pursuing first-in-class medicines to address areas of significant unmet medical needs.
Further information about Tranzyme Pharma can be found on the Company's web site at www.tranzyme.com.
The Tranzyme, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=9438