GENEVA, Switzerland and LONDON, March 4, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Index Ventures adds two senior executives to its life science practice and a Venture Advisor. Kevin Johnson and Gianni Garotta, join as Executives in Residence. In addition Ennio Ongini will take on the role of Venture Advisor within the team.
Francesco de Rubertis, Partner at Index Ventures said, "We've decided to add firepower to the life science practice by launching this EIR programme. We've come to know Kevin, Gianni, and Ennio over the years and are thrilled to have such senior executives with stellar track-records join the team. They bring insight, experience, networks and raw talent that will uniquely enhance our ability to see the best deals as well as build value in the companies we back."
Kevin Johnson was most recently with Cambridge Antibody Technologies, one of Europe's most successful biotech companies, where he was a member of the start-up team, Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board. He led the team that produced Humira(TM), the first fully human therapeutic antibody and was part of the management team that floated CAT plc on the London Stock Exchange in 1997. Kevin's direct entrepreneurial experience will prove invaluable in creating investment opportunities as well as providing insights to Index's portfolio companies.
Gianni Garotta has a combined record of academia, pharmaceutical and biotech experience. He was most recently VP Academic Collaborations at Serono. Prior to this, he was head of both the interferon and the antibody groups at Roche as well as head of biology at Human Genome Sciences. Gianni's experience in identifying, evaluating, and negotiating the transfer of assets from academia as well as his background in drug development and immunology makes him an exceptional asset to the team.
Ennio Ongini, alongside his current role as Head of Discovery at Nicox, will be acting as a Venture Advisor to Index. He has extensive drug discovery experience -- particularly in the areas of CNS and cardiovascular -- and contributed significantly to the identification and development of marketed drugs such as Claritin, Doral and Felbatol.
Kevin Johnson commented, "Working closely with Index over the past year has convinced me of the high calibre of this team. I'm delighted to formalize this relationship as a platform for the things I want to do next."
About Index Ventures:
Index Ventures is a leading pan-European venture capital fund dedicated to investments in life science and technology companies. Index proactively seeks out the top entrepreneurial teams in each investment area and leverages its core assets in helping the entrepreneurs build their company into a global leader. Index Ventures investors include leading technology companies and institutional investors. Index investments in the life science arena include companies such as Genmab, Cellzome, BioXell, Addex, ParAllele and AlgoRx. To learn more about Index Ventures visit: www.indexventures.com