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Press ReleasesMenghis Bairu, M.D., Joins OneWorld Health Board of DirectorsExecutive Vice President,Head of Global Development and Chief Medical Officer for Biotech Leader Élan Latest Addition to Board of Nonprofit Pharmaceutical CompanySan Francisco, USA - April 16, 2009 The Institute for OneWorld Health, the US-based non-profit pharmaceutical company that develops drugs for people with neglected infectious diseases in the developing world, today announced the appointment of Menghis Bairu, M.D., as a member of its Board of Directors. Dr. Bairu brings nearly two decades of international experience in the pharmaceutical industry and nonprofit arena, where his work has focused on addressing the unmet healthcare needs of underserved communities. "We are delighted to welcome to our board an accomplished physician, scientist and business professional with a deep commitment to providing the world's most impoverished communities with access to essential medicines," said Richard Chin, M.D., OneWorld Health's Chief Executive Officer. "I look forward to Dr. Bairu's advice in furthering OneWorld Health's mission to develop safe, effective and affordable medicines for those who need them the most." Dr. Bairu's healthcare expertise spans the commercial, research and development and managed care sectors of the pharmaceutical industry, with particular emphasis on the clinical development of vital new therapies. He currently serves as Executive Vice President, Head of Global Development and Chief Medical Officer for Elan, an internationally renowned neuroscience/biotech company based in Dublin, Ireland with US headquarters in South San Francisco, California. Prior to joining Elan, Dr. Bairu worked at Genentech from 1999 to 2004 in various commercial, clinical and managed care roles of increasing responsibilities. "I am honored to serve on OneWorld Health's Board and to contribute to its unique efforts in developing new essential medicines for some of the world's most devastating neglected diseases," said Dr. Bairu. "We have some real opportunities to effect large-scale change in global health and I am excited and gratified to be working with OneWorld Health's leadership as we move ahead." Complementing the corporate and philanthropic elements of healthcare advances has always been a commitment of Dr. Bairu. In 1999 he co-founded International Medical Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) foundation whose mission is to acquire medical equipment and materials for donation to charitable institutions and government health care entities in developing countries. He is also the Founder and Chair of the East African Medical Association, Europe and was Chair of the Eritrean Medical Association, Italy. Dr. Bairu received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Instituto VII Tecnico Commerciale in Milan, Italy, and attended the Universita Statale, Facolta' di Medicina e Chirurgia (Faculty of Medicine & Surgery) in Milan, where he received his Medical Degree. Dr. Bairu's Professional Society associations include the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Pharmaceutical Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the European Neurological Society and the European Federation of Neurological Society. His Board memberships include Elan Pharma K.K. (Japan) and Elan Pharma Limited (United Kingdom). In addition to his professional experience, Dr. Bairu's personal journey makes him uniquely suited to serve as a board member. Dr. Bairu was raised in Eritrea, East Africa, and was a refugee in the Sudan in the late 70s. He migrated from Eritrea to Europe as a young adult, and has since traveled extensively to developing countries to offer assistance and encouragement. Along the way Dr. Bairu has proven to be steadfastly committed to trying to reduce the impact of preventable and treatable infectious diseases in developing countries by working with many national and international agencies. ### About the Institute for OneWorld Health |
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