EQiTX, Starphama appoint heavy hitters

Born-again oil exploration company EQiTX (ASX: EQX) has added another science heavyweight to its ranks for its latest incarnation as a biotech.

The Western Australian group has appointed former Pfizer executive Dr Kevin Fahey as a member of its scientific advisory panel.

In a market announcement, EQiTX secretary Isaac Law said Fahey's years of experience, particularly in the field of biological research, as well as his contacts with major drug companies would "significantly augment and add new dimensions" to the panel.

The appointment is the third recent hiring for the company, which last month named its new CEO and business development manager as it gears up to unveil its first investments.

Up until last year, Fahey held a range of executive research management positions with Pfizer in the United States and Australia, before retiring from his final position as scientific director, research investments, for Pfizer's global R&D.

Since October last year he has run his own consulting practice, advising companies in Australia and the US.

Fahey has also spent time with the former SmithKline Beecham Animal Health (now GlaxoSmithKline) and spent much of his early career with the CSIRO Division of Animal Health.

Starpharma names head chemist

In a separate appointment, Starpharma Pooled Development (ASX: SPL) named Dr Guy Krippner as its head chemist.

Krippner has some 10 years' postdoctoral experience in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry and has developed, and worked extensively in, medicinal chemistry programs with Biota Holdings and Prana Biotechnology.

"The appointment of Dr Krippner further strengthens Starpharma's experienced synthetic chemistry team," said CEO Dr John Raff.

"Dr Krippner's commercial experience in drug discovery and development programs will make a valuable contribution to Starpharma as we develop and commercialise dendrimer nanodrugs."