EUSTIS, Fla., May 23, 2006 — Valensa International has appointed Dr. Rudi E. Moerck as President. In his new role, Dr. Moerck will lead both the technology development and new product commercialization efforts for the company, which already offers innovative natural botanical-sourced products such as ZANTHIN(R) astaxanthin, USPlus Saw Palmetto, CRANBEROL(R) cranberry seed extract and more. In a career that spans more than 25 years, Dr. Moerck has held senior management positions in both the pharmaceutical and specialty chemical industries, as well as having research and commercial development experience. He holds patents in the areas of amino acid technology and nanotechnology and is the principal inventor of RenaZorb(TM), a new drug candidate for serum phosphate control in kidney dialysis patients with end stage renal disease.
"The nutraceutical and botanical products industries are an important part of our culture and becoming increasingly more so – as is evidenced by the growth of sectors like functional foods and cosmeceuticals," he said. "Ultimately, it will be our ability to deliver wellness to the consumer that will define our success – and this will require creativity, scientific rigor, the right mix of technology and commercial acumen," he added.
Prior to joining Valensa, Dr. Moerck was President of Altair Nanotechnologies. While at Altair, he was the principal inventor of RenaZorb(TM). RenaZorb(TM) was licensed by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals of Irvine, CA in January 2005. While at Altair, he was also the chief innovator of a new drug delivery system called TiNano Spheres(TM) for enhanced drug release or timed release for pharmaceuticals. His work in the pharmaceutical industry includes postings at Catalytica Pharmaceuticals as Sr. Vice President Sales and Marketing, V.P. and General Manager API manufacturing and R&D and also as President of the Fine Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Group at Cambrex Corporation.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Moerck worked at Degussa AG, a global chemicals and materials company where he held positions ranging from Senior Scientist and Pharmaceutical Plant Manager to Vice President where he was responsible for the development of Degussa's North American hydrogen peroxide business and the development of technology/services packages serving a wide range of industries.
Dr. Moerck was awarded his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Florida Southern College. He received postdoctoral fellowships from both the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Moerck taught pre-medical organic chemistry at Ohio State University and at Ohio Wesleyan University.
About Valensa International
Headquartered in Eustis, Florida USA (near Orlando), Valensa International is a leading science-based developer and manufacturer of high-quality botanical sourced products for nutraceutical supplements, functional foods, human nutrition and cosmeceuticals. The Valensa organization is a leading supplier of two important ingredients – ZANTHIN(R) astaxanthin and USPlus(R) saw palmetto extract. In addition, the company markets a line of high value botanical extracts including CRANBEROL(R) cranberry seed oil, ginger, rosemary, oregano, and Valerex(R) valerian oils and oleoresins.
For further information, contact:
Sid Hulse, Vice President, Marketing & Sales
Voice: 352-357-2004 ext. 743
Fax: 352-483-2095