Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ:POAI) is beefing up its board with the appointment of David Smith, a life sciences and corporate attorney, veteran biotech industry executive and leading authority on the legal issues surrounding the therapeutic use of human tissue and cells.
In a statement, the Minnesota-based biotech company cited Smith’s “extensive transactional experience, venture financings and regulatory matters” for life sciences companies and investors.
Predictive Oncology told investors that his appointment to the board comes at a time of growth anticipated for its flagship technology that pairs artificial intelligence with the world's largest commercial repository of tissue samples for oncology drug discovery.
READ: Predictive Oncology appoints biotech veteran Raymond Vennare as its new CEO and chairman
"In the world of life sciences, specifically in terms of intellectual property and the scientific and commercial use of human tissue, David Smith is both a legal authority and a key thought leader. His understanding of the value and significance of our proprietary biorepository, especially with respect to the biopharmaceutical industry, is unparalleled," said Raymond Vennare, Predictive Oncology's chairman-elect who will be taking over as CEO November 1.
A regular speaker on topics related to the commercial development of tissue, cell and stem cell technologies, Smith currently serves on the Board of Directors of Foundation for Cell and Gene Medicine. He is currently a Fellow and past member of the executive committee of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society.
"We are at a turning point in drug discovery and I believe that Predictive Oncology is leading the way,” Smith said in a statement.
“The variety of tissue samples the company has is significant and unlike any other in the marketplace. The way their scientists can introduce the molecule in the environment, manipulate it and test how it will react provides a new approach and great value to their clients.”
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