Dinesh Patel, Ph.D has served on the Company’s Board of Directors since September 2003. He is a Managing Director and Founding Partner of vSpring Capital, an early stage venture capital fund. Dr. Patel is responsible for the creation of several life science companies including Ashni Naturaceuticals, Inc.,which specializes in the research, development and marketing of clinically tested and patent-protected naturaceutical products. In addition to founding the Company, Dr. Patel serves as Ashni’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. In 1999, Dr. Patel co-founded and was the Chairman of Salus Therapeutics, Inc., which in August 2003 was acquired by Genta, Inc. for $30 million. From 1985 through 1999, Dr. Patel served as Co-founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of TheraTech, Inc., a pioneer in the development and manufacture of innovative drug delivery products. Under Dr. Patel’s guidance, TheraTech, which went public in 1992, established strategic alliances with major pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Proctor & Gamble, Roche and SmithKline Beecham. In January 1999, TheraTech was acquired for approximately $350 million by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Dr. Patel has been the recipient of numerous awards, including U.S. Small Business Administration’s Business Achiever Award, Scientific and Technology Award (State of Utah) and Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Mountain West Venture Group). Dr. Patel earned his undergraduate degree from India and his doctorate degree from the University of Michigan. Dr. Patel is active in the Indian and local communities, serving on several boards and as an active donor for various charitable causes. |