Press Releases
Axial Biotech Appoints Retired Roche Diagnostics Executive to Board
Experienced leader will provide commercialization expertise to company
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, (October 16, 2008) —
Axial Biotech Inc., a company revolutionizing spine care through the development of molecular diagnostic technologies, announced today the appointment of William L. Lister as the newest member of the Board of Directors. Lister will serve on the board’s Compensation Committee and will focus on guiding the company in the commercialization of new molecular assays.
“I am excited about Axial Biotech’s potential to dramatically change the detection and treatment of many spinal disorders. The Company’s first product, called ScoliScore™, is a prognostic assay that will identify the likelihood for spinal curve progression,” stated Lister. “This product has the opportunity to greatly benefit children diagnosed with this crippling disease.”
"The company is very pleased to have Bill join our board as a director," said John Climaco, Axial Biotech’s President & CEO. "Bill has a very impressive record in the diagnostics industry of creating and executing major strategies as well as helping companies build the foundation for meaningful and sustained growth. His skills will be instrumental in helping the company achieve its new expansion imperatives."
Lister has had a distinguished career in sales, marketing and general management positions in the healthcare sector with companies focused in the diagnostic and pharmaceutical industries. Most recently, Lister was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Patient Care at Roche Diagnostics Corporation. In this position, Lister was responsible for the U.S. Diabetes Monitoring, Insulin Pump and Point of Care Diagnostics, along with the Global Drugs of Abuse Business Unit. He was a member of the Corporation’s Management Group, which was responsible for setting policy and overseeing all U.S. diagnostic and biochemical operations along with the Global Diabetes Care Operating Committee. In 2001, he was selected as the first recipient of Roche Diagnostics Corporation’s Leadership Award. Upon his retirement in 2004, Roche Diagnostics created the William L. Lister Award to be presented annually at their national sales meeting.
Prior to Roche, Lister spent 10 years with Boehringer Mannheim Corporation where he held various general management and senior level sales and marketing positions in the Diagnostics and Biochemical Divisions. From 1973 to 1986, Lister worked for Eli Lilly and Company in a number of sales and marketing positions, including Director of Market Research for the Pharmaceutical Division.
Lister received a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and a Master of Science degree in Marketing from Indiana State University in 1966 and 1967 respectively. In 2001, he was recognized by the University’s College of Business as its Outstanding Alumnus. In addition, he received Indiana State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005.
About Axial Biotech
Axial Biotech, Inc. is a privately held, venture-backed company founded in 2002 by a group of internationally recognized spine surgeons and geneticists. The company is focused on developing and commercializing DNA-based pre-symptomatic and prognostic tests, as well as motion-preserving technologies, for common spinal disorders. The company's headquarters and laboratory are located in Salt Lake City, Utah
Media Contact:
Eric K. Olson
Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing
Axial Biotech, Inc.
801-984-9100 ext. 129
eolson@axialbiotech.com
