Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> October 17, 2003
DR. ANDRE DE VILLERS is President and Chief Executive Officer of Celmed
BioSciences Inc. He obtained his degree in Medicine from Universit de
Montral in 1973. Dr. de Villers has been closely involved in the
emergence of the biotechnology sector in Quebec. From 1988 to 1993, he
created and successfully managed several R&D venture capital companies,
generating an investment totaling $250 million. In 1993, Dr. de Villers
founded Theratechnologies, now a leader in the biotechnology field in
Canada. From 1993 to 2002, Dr. de Villers held successively the
positions of President and Director of R&D, President and General
Manager, and President and CEO of Theratechnologies. During that period,
Dr. de Villers has played a key role in the creation of Andromed, Ecopia
BioSciences and Celmed BioSciences. Since November 1999, Dr. de Villers
has also been Chairman of the Biopharmaceutical Companies Committee of
Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) and a member of
its Board of Directors. He is also a member of various Boards. In 2002,
Dr. de Villers' entrepreneurship, vision, exceptional career and
outstanding contribution to the biotech sector were recognized with
significant awards. He received Ernst & Young's 2002 Quebec Entrepreneur
of the Year award in the biotechnology category and was named emeritus
member of BioQuebec's Excelcia Club, a distinction conferred to the
pioneers who have contributed to the advancement of the biotechnology
industry. Profile
TWST: Could we begin with a brief historical sketch of Celmed and apicture of the things you're doing at the present time?
Dr. de Villers: Celmed BioSciences was created in June 2001 as a