Brandon boosts Prima board

Genetics and immunology specialist Dr Malcolm Brandon was today named chairman of Prima Biomed's (ASX:PRR) scientific advisory panel.

Brandon was the co-founder of another Melbourne biotech company, Stem Cell Sciences, is CEO of Smart Drug Systems and chairman of Clone Australia.

Prima Biomed CEO Marcus Clarke said the new appointee was also a world leader in large animal biology and was well-equipped to lead the panel in monitoring the progress of the company's existing programs.

"The scientific advisory panel is actively contributing to Prima Biomed's decision-making process," Clarke said.

"The existing three projects are maturing and with the ongoing evaluation of new projects the involvement of the scientific advisory panel continues to increase.

"With such a level of activity on the board, it was prudent that a member be elected as chairperson to provide the necessary co-ordination and commercial orientation."

Brandon will join other panel members including Nobel laureate Professor Peter Doherty, Prana Biotechnology director Dr George Mihaly, Austin Research Institute deputy director Professor Mauro Sandrin and ARI professorial associate William Boyle.

His other current appointments include managing director of Castella Research, honorary professor at the University of Inner Mongolia, principal fellow at the University of Melbourne's Centre for Animal Biotechnology and research associate at the ARI and Austin and Repatriation Hospital.

The panel, which has met twice since July last year are expected to monitor the progress of Prima Biomed's programs in Arthron Ltd, Cancer Vac Ltd and Panvax Ltd.