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September 12 2001, Press release
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| FIT Biotech expands abroad and updates itself |
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FIT Biotech Oyj Plc is an innovative medical biotechnology company with a global partner network. FIT Biotech is engaged in the development of forefront DNA vaccines and diagnostic products based on its technology platforms and unmet clinical need in HIV, allergy, diabetes and cancer. FIT Biotech Oyj Plc is located in Tampere, Finland, and started its current operations in 1998.
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| New company name |
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The company was formerly known as Finnish Immunotechnology Ltd, but in April 2001 the company changed its name and updated its graphical image. "The reason for these changes is the fact that our current research partners are working in Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Estonia, USA, Malaysia, Japan and Australia as well as that the company has state of art product and process development facilities both in Finland and Estonia. However, the short name, FIT, was already well recognized among scientists and companies in the field of medical biotechnology. We believe in the growing role of biotechnology companies in diagnostic and pharmaceutical business and that FIT Biotech will be one of the forefront activators introducing novel products in the battle against severe diseases", says Mr. Pekka Sillanaukee, CEO and President of FIT Biotech.
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| New chairman of the Board of the Directors |
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FIT Biotech Oyj Plc appointed a new Chairman to the Board of Directors, Mr. Rabbe Slätis, currently working as CEO of Karyon Ltd, in September 4, 2001. Mr. Slätis has formerly worked in the global pharmaceutical business and brings to FIT Biotech a strong knowledge of international marketing and sales in this business area.
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| New premises and new personel |
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In May 2001 FIT Biotech moved to the new premises in Lenkkeilijänkatu 10, Tampere Finland, which allows streamlined product and process development as well as proper quality assurance. Professor Kai Krohn, MD, PhD, former chairman and professor of medical technology and biotechnology at the Institute of Medical Technology (IMT) in the University of Tampere started as full time Senior Director of Science & Technology in August 2001. Prof. Kai Krohn co-ordinates the company's international research/discovery partner network.
As a part of FIT Biotech's expansion strategy, the company opened a Center of Excellence in Tartu, Estonia in January 2001. It is directed by Professor Mart Ustav, PhD, and employs eight specialists in design and pre-clinical development of DNA vaccines and methodology of gene therapy. Prof. Ustav is specialized in Molecular Biology, Molecular Virology, Molecular Microbiology and has published more than 120 research articles and publications. He has also hold the position of a Professor of Microbiology and Virology in Tartu University since 1992.
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| Pharmaceutical manufacturing license to FIT Biotech |
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FIT Biotech was granted a manufacturing license for DNA Vaccines by the National Agency of Medicines in December 2000 "In FIT Biotech the DNA Vaccines for human use are produced by experienced and competent employees according to the current quality and regulatory demands of pharmaceuticals", says Ms. Maija Hietava, Director of Quality Assurance.
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| Additional Information |
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CEO and President Mr. Pekka Sillanaukee
FIT Biotech Plc.
Tel. +358 3 3138 7000
Fax +358 3 3138 7050
pekka.sillanaukee@fitbiotech.com
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