News & Media
Trius Therapeutics Recruits Merck Executive to Lead Drug Development Efforts
Hiring Further Enhances Seasoned Management Team
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San Diego, CA, June 4, 2007 – Trius Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company
developing antibacterial drugs for the treatment of serious infections, announced today
that Kenneth F. Bartizal, Ph.D. has joined the company as Chief Development Officer.
Dr. Bartizal, formerly Executive Director and Head, Infectious Disease Research for
Merck, made major contributions to the development and registration of multiple
marketed drugs including INVANZ®, and CANCIDAS®. He will assume responsibility
for the development of Trius’ pipeline of antibacterial drug candidates including the
Company’s lead candidate, Torezolid, a best-in-class oxazolidinone that is anticipated to
begin human clinical trials by the end of this year.
"We are extremely pleased to have attracted an executive of Dr. Bartizal’s caliber to lead our drug development efforts," stated Dr. Jeffrey Stein, President and CEO of Trius Therapeutics. "His breadth of experience and success in anti-infective drug discovery and development including his in-depth knowledge of the oxazolidinone drug class and his experience leading international R&D teams and pharma-biotech alliances will make him an invaluable member of our team."
"The combination of Trius’ experienced team, attractive lead programs, strong pipeline and committed venture investors made for a very compelling opportunity" stated Dr. Bartizal. "I look forward to becoming a part of this exciting enterprise."
About Trius Therapeutics
Trius Therapeutics is discovering and developing innovative antibacterial drugs for the
treatment of life-threatening infections. The company's lead product candidate, Torezolid is
a novel oral and IV oxazolidinone antibiotic with potent activity against Gram-positive
bacterial pathogens. Trius' pipeline includes three additional structure-based drug design
programs directed against novel antibacterial targets. For more information, visit
www.triusrx.com.