In June 2008, the company changed its name to MDRNA based upon the company’s scientific and intellectual property position surrounding the R&D of RNA interference (RNAi) drug candidates. As part of this new corporate and scientific focus, MDRNA named Mr French, formerly the senior vice president of corporate development at Sirna Therapeutics, as CEO, effective June 23, 2008.
Bruce Thaw, independent director of MDRNA, said: “On behalf of the board of directors, I am pleased to welcome Michael to MDRNA’s board. Since joining the company as CEO in June, Michael has demonstrated outstanding leadership in developing and implementing a plan which has successfully moved the company from a clinical stage delivery company to a preclinical RNAi-based therapeutics company.
“Michael has quickly set a corporate vision and strategy that will enable rapid scientific progress, key pharmaceutical partnerships and future business success. We look forward to working with Michael in his new capacity as a director and helping him to create value for our shareholders.”