Augurex Life Sciences Corp. Names Healthcare Leader Neil Klompas to Succeed Co-Founder Dr. Norma Biln as President and CEO
- Veteran life sciences executive Mr. Neil Klompas to assume role of President and CEO
- Co-Founder and outgoing CEO Dr. Norma Biln to helm research and new product development and remain Chair of the Board of Directors
Vancouver, Canada – August 6, 2024 – Augurex Life Sciences Corp., a world leader in the early diagnosis of autoimmune diseases and a pioneer in the field of 14-3-3η based diagnostics, today announced the appointment of Mr. Neil Klompas as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Klompas will succeed Augurex’s Co-founder Dr. Norma Biln, who has served as President and CEO since the Company began operations in 2008. Dr. Biln will continue to be an integral part of the company transitioning into the interim role of global head of product research and development, and will remain on the Board of Directors as its Chair.
“I have long believed that the key to successfully treating and managing a disease is its early and accurate detection and diagnosis. 14-3-3η and JOINTstat®, Augurex’s novel diagnostic for autoimmune arthritic diseases, provides Rheumatologists with an important tool to achieve this.” said Mr. Klompas. “Our next diagnostic, SPINEstat®, has the potential to transform clinical practice as a first-in-class diagnostic for Ankylosing Spondylitis, enabling physicians to make a timely and accurate diagnosis of this prevalent autoimmune disorder. I look forward to building upon the many successes of Dr. Biln and the entire Augurex team, and to leading Augurex into its next phase of commercial growth where we deliver exceptional value to our patients and shareholders”.
“This is a very exciting time for Augurex, and for me as a founder,” said Dr. Biln. “At each stage of a company’s growth, a unique leadership skillset is needed to take the company to the next level, and Mr. Klompas has the strategic and financial acumen, expertise and high-paced results-driven approach to take us there.” Dr. Biln adds, “I look forward to Mr. Klompas building the future for Augurex’s key stakeholders, starting with patients through to its customers, suppliers and shareholders. I welcome Mr. Klompas, on behalf of the whole team at Augurex and our Board of Directors.”
A seasoned life sciences executive, Mr. Klompas has been involved in healthcare and biotechnology for over 30 years in various senior leadership roles spanning operational, financial and research and development responsibilities. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Zymeworks (NASDAQ: ZYME), where he had previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, Mr. Klompas’ experience included roles with KPMG, a global financial services firm, in both the United States and Canada where he advised on transactions and financial engagements across the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices sectors. Mr. Klompas serves as a director on the board of NervGen Pharma (TSXV; NGEN) and has served as a director and advisor to various biotechnology companies, including previously serving as Board Chair for Ovensa Inc., and on the Board of Liminal Biotherapeutics. Mr. Klompas holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia, and is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Professional Accountant.
About Augurex
Augurex is a commercial stage diagnostics company dedicated to the early identification and diagnosis of autoimmune disorders, allowing treatment options to be optimized and personalized for patients around the world. Augurex’s lead diagnostic test which detects the 14-3-3η protein, available as JOINTstat® in Canada, is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. The analyte specific reagents to detect 14-3-3η are available for purchase and use by U.S. clinical laboratories as a component of diagnostic tests developed by such laboratories. SPINEstat® expands Augurex’s biomarker-informed diagnostic autoimmune portfolio into axial spondyloarthritis, an autoimmune disease often misdiagnosed as low back pain, and which if untreated can lead to impaired spinal mobility and fusion of the vertebrae. Learn more about Augurex at www.augurex.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-637-3280