Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc. ("Shrink") (OTCBB: INKN), an innovative platform nanotechnology company developing technologies for a number of diverse fields ranging from medical diagnostics to solar cell concentrators, announced that Heiner Dreismann, Ph.D., has joined the company's Board of Directors and will chair Shrink's Business Advisory Board. Dr. Dreismann is the former Chief Executive Officer of Roche Molecular Diagnostics (Roche), a division of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
Shrink CEO Mark L. Baum commented, "Dr. Dreismann is one of the top industry experts in the field of molecular and medical diagnostics. He has a proven track-record of leadership in the development, commercialization and adoption of diagnostics, and brings valuable real-world experience as we begin integrating our breakthrough metal-enhanced fluorescence technologies into diagnostics and other life sciences products that can make a difference in people's lives. Dr. Dreismann, throughout his impressive career and consistent successful track record, has developed numerous domestic and international industry contacts which we believe will open doors for our company. We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Dreismann to Shrink and look forward to his active participation and contribution to our success."
Dr. Dreismann added, "After having met with Dr. Khine and the Shrink principals, I am pleased to be part of the team that has developed a very promising platform technology that will bring true innovation to various applications in in-vitro diagnostics, such as heterogeneous immunoassays, point of care products and molecular diagnostics. It is my intent to be an active member of the Board, and intend to bring the wealth of my experience and contacts, which I believe can create real opportunities for our business as we develop products and seek licensing partners for our technologies."
Roche pioneered the clinical implementation of molecular diagnostics. While at Roche, Dr. Dreismann led the introduction in Europe of the company's PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and, now industry-standard, real-time PCR-based tests. PCR is a Nobel-prize winning technology which has been recognized as one of the most important scientific developments of our generation. PCR allows scientists to copy a single segment of DNA billions of times, making it possible to take a specimen, copy its genetic sequence, and, within hours, generate a test sample sufficient to perform a detailed analysis of a specific genetic question.
Under Dr. Dreismann's leadership as Chief Executive Officer, leading a team of more than 1,500 professionals, Roche evolved into one of the world's leading molecular diagnostics companies with annual sales to over US $1.2 billion and the significant expansion of their portfolio of diagnostic tests and hardware. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dreismann held other senior positions within Roche in the areas of Global Business Development, Business Unit Manager for PCR and Microbiology, as well as R&D positions in microbiology and infectious diseases and in manufacturing.
Dr. Dreismann holds a Masters Degree in Biology and a Ph.D. in Microbiology/Molecular Biology from Westfaelische Wilhelms University in Muenster, Germany.