VistaGen Therapeutics (VSTA) Stem Cell Initiatives Led by Bio-Oriented Management Team

South San Francisco, California-based VistaGen Therapeutics has developed a versatile stem cell technology platform based on the controlled differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into multiple types of mature, non-transformed cells, as a source for creating unique and superior bioassay systems for predicting potential heart and liver toxicity issues of new drug candidates. The company was co-founded by Dr. H. Ralph Snodgrass, who now serves as VistaGen’s President and Chief Scientific Officer, and Dr. Gordon Keller, now Chairman of VistaGen’s Scientific Advisory Board and Director of the prestigious University Health Network’s McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Toronto.

Dr. Snodgrass has over 18 years of senior biotechnology management experience, and more than 10 years of direct research experience. He is a past Board Member of the Emerging Company Section of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), and is a published and recognized pioneering expert in stem cell biology with more than 20 years’ experience in the uses of stem cells as biological tools for drug discovery and development. Dr. Keller, one of the world’s leading stem cell researchers, has been named a “Top 25 Transformational Canadian” for his stem cell research.

In 1998, Dr. Snodgrass and Dr. Keller decided to work together in support of the vision of using human stem cell technology to transform drug development. Their idea of bringing the element of human biology to the front in the drug development process was ahead of its time. Their work has led to the use of heart cells for predicting potential heart toxicity, and is now leading to the use of liver cells for predicting potential liver toxicity and metabolism issues. Their accomplishments are now supported by novel bioassay systems with game–changing potential.

In addition to Dr. Snodgrass, VistaGen’s experienced management team includes,

• Shawn K. Singh, J.D. (CEO, Director), with over 20 years of experience serving in senior management roles with successful public and private biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, a biotechnology-focused venture capital firm, and a profitable contract research and development organization. Companies include Cato BioVentures, Cato Research, Echo Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ECTE), and SciClone Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SCLN).

• Jerrold D. Dotson, CPA (CFO), formerly Corporate Controller for Discovery Foods and Vice President of Finance and Administration and Corporate Secretary for California & Hawaiian Sugar Company and The Clorox Company.

• A. Franklin Rice, MBA (VP, Corporate Development), with nearly 25 years of biotechnology industry experience, including as Senior Director of Business Development at Genencor International and as Vice President of Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals for Bechtel Group.

For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.VistaGen.com

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