EXTON, Pa., Jan. 16, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- ViroPharma Incorporated (Nasdaq:VPHM) announced today the election of Michael Dougherty and Dr. William Claypool to its board of directors. Mr. Dougherty is currently Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Adolor Corporation. Dr. Claypool is currently Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Phoenix Data Systems.
"Both Michael and William bring to ViroPharma extraordinary industry experience that spans all aspects of the pharmaceutical business," said Michel de Rosen, ViroPharma's chief executive officer. "We look forward to their significant impact and guidance in helping ViroPharma grow and create value."
Michael Dougherty has more than 20 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Adolor, Mr. Dougherty was President and Chief Operating Officer of Genomics Collaborative, Inc, a privately held clinical functional genomics company. Previously, Mr. Dougherty was the Chairman of the Board for Magainin Pharmaceuticals (now Genaera Corporation) and President and Chief Executive Officer prior to his Board membership. During his tenure at Magainin, Mr. Dougherty was involved in overseeing the advancement of Magainin's product portfolio, restructuring the company's operations and securing and management of the company's collaborations with SmithKline, Genentech and MedImmune. Dougherty also served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Centocor, Inc. Mr. Dougherty will also serve as the Chairman of ViroPharma's Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Dr. Claypool brings more than 15 years of pharmaceutical industry experience to ViroPharma's board of directors. He currently is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for Phoenix Data Systems in King of Prussia, PA. Previously, Dr. Claypool was President and Chief Executive Officer of The GI Company. Prior to joining the GI Company, Dr. Claypool spent more than 9 years with SmithKline Beecham in a variety of roles, most recently as Senior Vice President of Clinical Research and Director, Worldwide Clinical Development and Medical Affairs. During his tenure, Dr. Claypool oversaw the advancement of SmithKline Beecham's product portfolio worldwide. Dr. Claypool began his pharmaceutical career with G.D. Searle & Co. where he was a director of clinical research. Dr. Claypool will also serve on ViroPharma's Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
ViroPharma Incorporated is committed to the commercialization, development and discovery of antiviral pharmaceuticals. ViroPharma is currently focused on clinical development of maribavir for the prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in transplant patients, drug development and discovery activities in hepatitis C, biodefense and emerging diseases initiatives, and is evaluating an intranasal formulation of pleconaril for the treatment of the common cold.