Quintessence Biosciences names new president

Madison, Wis. - Laura Strong, who has served as vice president of Quintessence Biosciences since the year 2000, has been appointed president and chief operating officer of the Madison-based biopharmaceutical company.

The appointment was made by the company's board of directors and announced at the company's annual shareholder's meeting.

Strong, who has a chemistry degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, brings a mix of scientific and business skills to the position, according to CEO Ralph Kauten. He cited Strong's leadership in the company's selection of a lead cancer drug candidate and its progress toward human clinical trials, which are expected to begin in early 2008. Quintessence is focused on developing cancer therapies.

Strong's appointment follows the successful completion of drug screening that resulted in selection of QBI-139 as the company's lead candidate for human clinical trials. The drug, which is based on the company's proprietary Evade technology, has proven effective against several types of cancer, including pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

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