Synvista Therapeutics Increases Commercial Focus by Appointing David C. Tantillo Senior Director of Marketing...( MONTVALE N.J. May 12 /- Synvista ...)

MONTVALE, N.J., May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Synvista Therapeutics, Inc. (Amex: SYI) is increasing the Company's commercial focus with the appointment of David C. Tantillo as Senior Director, Marketing and Sales, a newly created position. Beginning today, Mr. Tantillo will be responsible for planning and implementing commercialization of the Company's haptoglobin diagnostic test. Synvista expects commercial launch of this product in mid- 2009.

Mr. Tantillo brings to Synvista nearly 20 years of broad-based industry experience, having successfully directed programs in diabetes, oncology, infectious disease, pain, inflammation and other therapeutic areas. His work has included diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, as well as health and disease management services and managed care initiatives. His experience also includes a combination diagnostic, drug and drug delivery device. He has overseen marketing programs for commercial products, as well as those in early- and late-stage clinical development. He also has been involved in several marketing and development partnerships, as well as with new business acquisitions.

"David has a strong track record of success, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Synvista team to initiate our first commercialization program for our haptoglobin diagnostic," said Noah Berkowitz, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Synvista Therapeutics. "We look forward to working with David to usher in a new era for Synvista, relying heavily on his extensive experience in bringing products to market, specifically with testing products and in the diabetes arena."

Prior to joining Synvista, Mr. Tantillo was Director Strategic Marketing at Alpharma Pharmaceuticals. Fro
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