NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Signal Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGNL) (Signal), a commercial stage, molecular diagnostic company focused on providing innovative diagnostic services that help physicians make better-informed decisions concerning the care of their patients suffering from cancer, today announced the appointment of Michael C. Cerio as Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Business Development. Mr. Cerio will report directly to Samuel D. Riccitelli, Signal's President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Riccitelli stated, "We believe that Michael will be an integral addition to the Signal team, as we work to advance our diagnostic services and further enhance our strategic options for commercialization. Michael has a wealth of experience helping to build commercial operations for diagnostics companies, in particular within the oncology space. We believe his expertise will play a key role in effectively maximizing the commercial potential of our diagnostic services, and will contribute to the long-term success of the Company."
Mr. Cerio has a 15-year track record in strategic planning and business development roles within the diagnostics and biotechnology industry. Most recently he worked as an independent consultant building out commercial plans for oncology diagnostics startups with the life science venture capital firm, MPM Capital. Prior to that, he served as Consulting CEO for Modulation Therapies, a company that was developing a novel mechanism of action, multiple myeloma drug. Prior to that, Mr. Cerio was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolome Diagnostics, where he built out commercial plans for oncology diagnostics in myelodysplastic syndromes and non-small cell lung cancer. Mr. Cerio also worked at Genzyme Corporation, where he led the licensing, early commercial strategy and merger and acquisition teams within Genzyme's Genetics unit. Additionally, he led strategic marketing activities related to gene expression and vetted over 150 new product opportunities, which cultivated 17 new oncology diagnostic products. Mr. Cerio has also held senior roles at BG Medicine and Genaissance Pharmaceuticals.
"I look forward to joining Signal Genetics at such an exciting time for the Company," said Mr. Cerio. "I believe that by leveraging my experience in commercial development and oncology diagnostics I will have an immediate impact at the Company. I look forward to working with the team as we seek to improve the care provided to cancer patients through advanced diagnostic services."
Mr. Cerio holds a B.S. in biology from Syracuse University, a M.S. in microbiology from the University of Connecticut and a M.B.A. from Columbia University.
About Signal Genetics, Inc.
Signal Genetics, Inc., headquartered in New York, N.Y., is a commercial stage, molecular diagnostic company focused on providing innovative diagnostic services that help physicians make better-informed decisions concerning the care of their patients suffering from cancer. The Company's mission is to develop, validate and deliver innovative diagnostic services that enable better patient-care decisions. Signal was founded in January 2010 and became the exclusive licensee in its licensed field to the renowned research on multiple myeloma performed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, or UAMS, in April 2010.