DiaBTech appoints former ministerial adviser as CEO

Recently listed Dia-B Tech (ASX:DIA) has appointed general manager Ken Smith as CEO.

Smith originally took on the role of company secretary when Dia-B Tech was spun out of Cardia Technologies about 18 months ago, and most recently held the title of general manager. In addition to roles at consumer electronics firm Teac in finance and administration, Smith was chief of staff for Dia-B Tech's chairman Michael Wooldridge during his years as Federal health minister.

The company has also made progress in its understanding of how its novel insulin sensitiser ISF402 works, according to an announcement made this week.

The four-amino acid peptide is based on a natural protein found in human fluids that enhances the effectiveness of both naturally occurring and injected insulin.

Now the company is evaluating whether the advances can be used to extend an existing pending patent, or form a new patent.