CARLSBAD, Calif. (Business Wire) -- Invitrogen Corp. (Nasdaq:IVGN), a provider of essential life science technologies for disease research and drug discovery, today announced that Ronald A. Matricaria has joined its board of directors, effective July 22, 2004. He replaces William J. Mercer, who is retiring.
Matricaria is the former chairman and CEO of St. Jude Medical Inc., where he led the company's diversification from one to three technology platforms and increased revenues from $225 million to more than $1 billion.
"We are fortunate to have an industry luminary with such broad business experience join our board," said Gregory T. Lucier, Invitrogen's chairman, president and CEO. "Invitrogen's innovative products and technologies are helping life science and drug industry researchers translate scientific discoveries into the medical advances that save lives. Matricaria's insight and expertise will be invaluable as we seek to further strengthen our ability to help our customers transform the research and development process."
Prior to joining St. Jude Medical, Matricaria spent 23 years with Eli Lilly and Company Inc., serving in several roles including CEO of Lilly subsidiary Cardiac Pacemakers Inc. Under his leadership, the business tripled in size and introduced the first FDA approved implantable carioverter defibrillator (ICD) device, which has become one of that company's key technologies. His last position was executive vice president of the Pharmaceutical Division of Eli Lilly and Company and president of its North American operations. He also served as president of Eli Lilly International Corp. since 1991.
A native of Connecticut, Matricaria holds a bachelors degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree in pharmacy in recognition of his contributions to the practice of pharmacy. He participated in executive development programs at the University of Michigan Graduate School of Business and the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. In 2002, he was recognized by the Medical Device industry with a lifetime achievement award. In addition, Matricaria is a member of the board of directors of Cyberonics Inc., VistaCare Inc., CardioDynamics Inc. and serves as chairman of the board of Haemonetics Corp., as well as a Trustee emeritus of the University of Minnesota Foundation. Matricaria also serves as an advisor to a private equity fund and as an advisor or board member to several private developing stage medically related entrepreneurial companies.
Retiring from the board of directors is William J. Mercer, who has been a member since 2001. Mercer is founder and managing member of Avocet Ventures LLC, a private equity investment firm. He has also served as Managing Partner of Aberdeen Strategic Capital LP, and president, CEO and director of Alaris Medical Inc. and IVAC Medical Systems Inc.
About Invitrogen
Invitrogen Corp. (Nasdaq:IVGN) provides products and services that support academic and government research institutions and pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide in their efforts to improve the human condition. The company provides essential life science technologies for disease research, drug discovery and commercial bio-production. Invitrogen's own research and development efforts are focused on breakthrough innovation in all major areas of biological discovery including functional genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics and cell biology -- placing Invitrogen's products in nearly every major laboratory in the world. Founded in 1987, Invitrogen is headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif. and conducts business in more than 70 countries around the world. The company globally employs approximately 4,000 scientists and other professionals. For more information about Invitrogen visit the company's Web site at www.invitrogen.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements contained in this press release are considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and it is Invitrogen's intent that such statements be protected by the safe harbor created thereby. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: 1) Matricaria's leadership will help Invitrogen accelerate the drug discovery process. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks: a) Matricaria's service on the board of directors may not impact Invitrogen's ability to accelerate the drug discovery process, as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Invitrogen's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Invitrogen Corp.
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