Rules-Based Medicine, Inc. Names Tony Barnes to Lead Expanded Diagnostics Business
Austin, Texas, June 2, 2009 — Rules-Based Medicine, Incorporated (RBM), the leading biomarker testing service, today announced that Tony Barnes, Ph.D., MBA, has joined the Company as vice president, clinical diagnostics. Barnes will provide strategic marketing and operational leadership as RBM commercializes new biomarker-based diagnostic tests.
RBM, an established provider of multiplex biomarker assays for improved drug development, has programs to develop new diagnostic products targeting disease categories that currently lack accurate and objective tests. Commercialization programs underway include tests for schizophrenia and kidney disease. The Company has access to interesting and novel biomarker technology through partnerships with multiple companies and institutions, including companion diagnostic programs with major pharmaceutical companies.
Barnes brings to the Company 25 years experience in business development, senior management, marketing, operations and program management, gained at leading healthcare companies, such as Abbott Diagnostics, LifeScan Inc., and Ciba Corning Diagnostics. He also served as a strategic consultant for Booz Allen and Hamilton and consulted directly to major healthcare companies such as Ortho Pharma and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Most recently, Barnes served as co-founder, chief executive officer and vice chairman of Oncimmune Ltd. During his six years with the company, Barnes developed and managed comprehensive technical, marketing and operations plans for the company and led the establishment of both the U.K. parent and U.S. subsidiary businesses. The first Oncimmune product, EarlyCDT-Lung™, a test for the early detection of lung cancer was launched in May 2009.
"As we establish new processes and infrastructure around our diagnostic programs, the additive value of Tony’s extensive development, marketing, and operational experience will only strengthen our effort," said Craig Benson, RBM chief executive officer. "We are pleased to have him on board and welcome his insight and energy."
"RBM is positioned to accelerate the development of exciting and necessary diagnostic tests," said Barnes. "The Company is on the leading edge of multiplex assay technology that has the potential to enhance patient care. I look forward to working with the RBM management team and our collaborators to advance that vision."