CSI Appoints Former Upjohn Senior Research Scientist Mary J. Ruwart, Ph.D. to Vice President of Research & Development (VP R&D) Further Expanding Its Team of Drug Development Specialists
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cannabis Science Inc. (NASD OTCBB: CBIS), an emerging pharmaceutical cannabis company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mary J. Ruwart as Vice President of Research & Development. Dr. Ruwarts previously held the position of Senior Research Scientist at Upjohn Inc., which ultimately merged with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) to become a part of one of the largest Pharmaceutical Companies in the world.
"Dr. Ruwart is a pivotal addition to CSI," COO Ray Carr announced today. "Her years of experience in R& D, coupled with her first-hand knowledge of the drug development process, give her the ability to guide CSI's first product through the FDA approval process. Dr. Ruwart will be one of the most valuable members of the CSI Drug Development team; we are delighted to have her on board."
CSI intends to follow the FDA's regulatory pathway for drug development through early clinical testing. The company will then seek a Big Pharma partner for late stage human studies and subsequent filing of its New Drug Application (NDA) with the FDA.
About Mary J. Ruwart, Ph.D., Cannabis Science Inc., Vice President, Research & Development
Mary J. Ruwart, Ph.D., received her doctorate in Biophysics from Michigan State University. She did post-doctoral work in the Department of Surgery at St. Louis University Medical School. Subsequently, she was promoted to Instructor and then to Assistant Professor. Dr. Ruwart joined the Upjohn Company in 1976 as a senior research scientist, working with prostaglandins, liver disease, HIV protease inhibitors, and drug delivery systems. Dr. Ruwart spent two decades in the pharmaceutical industry; she has been awarded five patents, and has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Ruwart's will shepherd CSI's cannabis-based drugs through the regulatory process required to obtain FDA approval. She will also guide CSI in the patenting and licensing of its intellectual property.
"It's invaluable to have our development team led by a scientist who is a top-notch researcher as well," Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Robert Melamede commented. "Since cannabis influences the body's prostaglandin balance, her expertise in this area can guide us in developing more effective products."
CEO Steve Kubby concurs. "Dr. Ruwart will be restructuring CSI's development program to meet the highest industry standards. Dr. Ruwart will help us avoid the expensive mistakes that many pharmaceutical start-ups make. The recent addition of Ray Carr as our COO, followed by Dr. Ruwart as our Vice President of R&D gives CSI a dynamic "˜one-two" punch in the areas of business and drug development."
The global market for oral cannabis medications has been recently estimated at almost $6 billion annually. CSI's proprietary delivery systems, which insure rapid absorption with prolonged blood levels of active drug, are expected to give the company's products a competitive edge worldwide.
About Cannabis Science, Inc.
Cannabis Science, Inc. is at the forefront of medical marijuana research and development. The Company works with world authorities on phytocannabinoid science targeting critical illnesses, and adheres to scientific methodologies to develop, produce, and commercialize phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products. In sum, we are dedicated to the creation of cannabis-based medicines, both with and without psychoactive properties, to treat disease and the symptoms of disease, as well as for general health maintenance.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," "intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.