Philip Vanek, GE Healthcare, Joins CCRM's Board of Directors

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 16, 2015) - Philip Vanek, General Manager, Cell Therapy Technologies, GE Healthcare, has joined the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine's (CCRM) Board of Directors.

"Phil Vanek is a very welcome addition to CCRM's Board," says Greg Bonfiglio, CCRM Board Chair and Managing Partner of Proteus Venture Partners. "GE Healthcare has been supportive of CCRM since we launched four years ago and Phil's decision to join the Board is further testament to our close strategic relationship. Phil's knowledge of the regenerative medicine field, combined with his business savvy and manufacturing know-how, will be of tremendous benefit as CCRM builds a cell manufacturing ecosystem in Canada."

CCRM is a translation centre focusing on company creation to bridge the commercialization gap and accelerate the therapeutic potential of regenerative medicine technologies and cell-based therapies. Its current strategic focus is to develop a cell manufacturing hub in Ontario to support the global regenerative medicine industry as its manufacturing and clinical trial needs mature.

"I'm delighted to join CCRM's Board as this offers me an opportunity to play a more significant role in shaping the future of CCRM, a key player in the regenerative medicine field," says Philip Vanek, General Manager, Cell Therapy Technologies, GE Healthcare. "GE remains committed to such a substantial relationship with CCRM as our goals for the industry are well aligned. Each of us brings a unique perspective and capability that, appropriately leveraged, combine to make each organization stronger, faster, and more market aware."

"CCRM has built a unique consortia of industrial, governmental and academic partners, of which GE has been an active, engaged participant and supporter, and we're excited to have Phil Vanek's leadership and endorsement as CCRM embarks on an exciting new phase," adds Michael May, President and CEO, Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine.

GE Healthcare is a founding member of CCRM's industry consortium, working together to take the theory of cell therapy and put it into practice by providing expertise, technical know-how, and tools for health care players to expand in this promising field. CCRM's strategic partnership with GE will assist companies as they develop cell therapies at a time when the industry is maturing and witnessing great momentum.

For a full list of CCRM's Board members, please visit http://www.ccrm.ca/directors

About the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM)

CCRM, a Canadian not-for-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada's Networks of Centres of Excellence program and academic partners, supports the development of technologies that accelerate the commercialization of stem cell- and biomaterials-based technologies and therapies. A network of academics, industry and entrepreneurs, CCRM aims to translate scientific discoveries into marketable products for patients with specialized team funding and infrastructure. CCRM launched in Toronto's Discovery District on June 14, 2011 and is hosted by the University of Toronto.

CCRM sources and conducts diligence on intellectual property from around the globe, performing fee-for-service and development projects with academia and industry in the areas of cell reprogramming and engineering, cell manufacturing and biomaterials. CCRM has a fully resourced, 6,000 square foot development facility used to advance technologies for out-licensing or company creation.