Former Lions Cancer Institute Inc medical director Bruce Gray has quit the chair of cancer treatment developer Sirtex Medical Ltd, after the company sought a cross-claim against him in an upcoming Federal Court action.
Dr Gray, Sirtex and the Cancer Research Institute Incorporated were listed as respondants in court proceedings brought by the University of Western Australia in December 2004, and set down for hearing in March next year.
According to an announcement issued by Sirtex, UWA claims beneficial ownership of a number of Dr Gray's inventions allegedly developed while he was employed by the University. UWA also makes a claim to Dr Gray and CRI's shareholdings in Sirtex, as well as certain ancillary and alternative claims.
The inventions in question currently form part of the technology Sirtex uses in the development of liver cancer treatment products.
While Sirtex defends the claims, and has issued a counter claim against the University, it has also sought leave to issue a cross-claim against Dr Gray and CRI should it lose the case.
The proposed cross-claim will allege Sirtex was misled by Dr Gray and CRI, and that they breached warranties provided when they puported to assign the relevant inventions to Sirtex in 1997.
Following Dr Gray's resignation, the board has appointed non-executive director Richard Hill as chairman.
