Xenome anoints new executive director

Brisbane-based biopharmaceutical company Xenome announced today its appointment of industry veteran Michael Aldridge as executive director.

Aldridge has held a number of high profile positions within the biotech industry, coming to prominence as a consultant, board director and then CEO of dermatology specialists Peplin between 2003 and 2009, during which time he played a key role in growing the business before its eventual sale to Leo Pharma A/S last year for US$287.5 million.

Xenome Chairman of the Board Jim Hazel said that Aldridge’s skills and industry experience would help guide the company through an important new phase as it seeks to initiate a Xen2174 phase II study in post-operative pain.

“The Board is confident that Michael, with his significant experience in the biotechnology business, his knowledge of domestic and international markets and his extensive network of international relationships will lead Xenome successfully through the next phase,” Hazel said.

“We are excited about Xenome’s future under his leadership.”