September 12, 2003

Claude Nash Named Vice President, Research and Development at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute

BALTIMORE, Md—Dr. Claude Nash's career has been one of translating science into products.

The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute has recruited Claude Nash, Ph.D. as Vice President, Research and Development. UMBI's Office of Research and Development is committed to capitalizing on fundamental scientific discoveries through increased sponsored research as well as developing their commercial application. In announcing his appointment, UMBI President Jennie Hunter-Cevera said, "The entrepreneurial, management and scientific experience and skills of a Dr. Nash will enhance UMBI's progress in fulfilling its scientific and economic development mission. I am delighted to have his talent as part of the senior management team at UMBI". Dr. Nash has more than 30 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, including the advancement of more than 20 compounds into clinical trials, the founding of a biotechnology company, and successfully negotiating numerous industrial partnerships.

Prior to joining the staff at UMBI, Nash founded and was the Chairman, President and CEO of ViroPharma Incorporated. ViroPharma, a leader in the field, focuses on utilizing its expertise in RNA virus technology to the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative antiviral medicines for the treatment of diseases that have a significant impact on society. This includes viral respiratory infections, hepatitis C, small pox and respiratory syncytial virus. Under his leadership ViroPharma completed an IPO raising capital through public and private financings, filed INDs and an NDA.

Earlier, Nash served as Vice President for infectious disease and oncology at Schering Plough Research Institute. During that time, he was involved in the discovery and development of numerous biological agents, antibiotics, and antifungals. Previously, he was Head of Biological Research at Sterling Drug, Head of Infectious Disease at SmithKline Beecham, and Head of Fermentation Technology Group at Eli Lilly.

Dr. Nash currently serves on the boards of directors for ViroPharma Incorporated, Adolar Incorporated, Accera Pharmaceuticals, NoCopy Incorporated and The Burnham Institute. He received the Charles Porter Award from the Society for Industrial Microbiology and is a member of The American Academy of Microbiology, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Xi and Beta, Beta, Beta, Biological honor societies. He holds a Ph.D. degree in microbiology.

The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute was mandated by the state of Maryland legislature in 1985 as "a new paradigm of state economic development in biotech-related sciences." With five major research and education centers across Maryland, UMBI is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of biotechnology. The centers are the Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology in Rockville; Center for Biosystems Research in College Park; and Center of Marine Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology Center, and the Institute of Human Virology, all in Baltimore.