Exodus to biotech

Exodus Minerals is the latest mining company to venture into the technology sector, announcing the appointment of biopharmacuetical executive Roger Aston to its board.

Dr Aston already has strong associations with the new wave of biotechnology interest sweeping WA-listed companies.

Based in the UK, he is chief executive officer of pSiMedica (UK), a joint venture between the UK Government’s Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and failed WA vegetable producer Sumich Group, which was recently relisted on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Dr Aston is also a former chief executive officer of Peptech, before its failed takeover bid for WA-based Biotech International last year.

Other positions he has held are the chairmanships of Cambridge Drug Discovery and Cambridge Antibody Technology, during a 20 year career in the field.

Exodus described the appointment as the first step towards developing the expertise required to engage in biotechnology projects.