Alfacell gets new chairman

by Susan Todd/The Star-Ledger
Thursday January 17, 2008, 11:47 AM

Alfacell Corp. said its board of directors has appointed David Sidransky as the company's chairman, a corporate governance move that separates the position from the chief executive officer's role.

Kuslima Shogen, who has served as chairman since 1996, will continue as chief executive officer.
"David and I have worked closely together over the past four years,'' Shogen said, "and his appointment to the chairman's post is a positive step forward as we progress toward our goal of completing Alfacell's transformation into a successful commercial-stage biotechnology company.''
The change of responsibilities is consistent with the ongoing efforts of the board to develop a succession plan that allows for a smooth leadership transition upon the potential marketing approval of Onconase, the company's novel cancer treatment.

Sidransky, 47, has been vice chairman since last January. He has served as a director since 2004.

Alfacell, which employs 16 people in Somerset, is developing Onconase as a potential treatment for malignant mesothelioma -- a rare cancer -- as well as non-small cell lung cancer and solid tumors.

Source: http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2008/01/alfacell_gets_new_chairman.html