Sirius Genomics Announces Change in Leadership

VANCOUVER , Dec. 8 /CNW/ - Sirius Genomics, a developer of pharmacogenomic diagnostics, announced today that Chris Wagner has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Dr. Brad Popovich .

"We want to thank Brad for his strong leadership as President and CEO over the last four years. Brad has taken the Company from discovery to the commercialization phase in a very short period of time. Brad has also managed to recruit one of the best management teams I have seen in the companion diagnostic space," stated Dr. Heiner Dreismann , member of the Sirius Genomics Board of Directors.

Dr. Popovich will continue as member of Sirius Genomics Board and will continue to assist Mr. Wagner and the Company with the provision of strategic advice and support.

"The Sirius Board of Directors believes that this is the right time to make this transition in the evolution of the Company because we have initiated our validation studies on our Xigris Diagnostic and we are spending more time on commercialization and partnership initiatives. Mr. Wagner 's extensive background in global pharmaceutical and diagnostic commercialization and partnering are the skills needed to move the Xigris Diagnostic forward from here. The Sirius Board appreciates the efforts of both Chris and Brad in making this transition so smooth and seamless," stated Dr. Jim McEwen , Chairman of the Board.

Chris Wagner has over 17 years of experience in marketing, sales and business development. Since 2007, Mr. Wagner was Vice President of Business Development at Sirius Genomics. Previously, Mr. Wagner was with Aspreva Pharmaceuticals as the Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Development. Prior to Aspreva, Mr. Wagner was with Eli Lilly as an international service employee working in Europe , North America and Asia with positions based in Toronto , Indianapolis and Boston . Mr. Wagner holds a BSc in Organic Chemistry from the University of British Columbia.

About Sirius Genomics: www.siriusgenomics.com

Sirius Genomics is a drug-enabling company that develops pharmacogenomic (PGx) diagnostics that lead to better patient outcomes through personalized medicine. Sirius generates value by improving the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical compounds. The Company correlates patient genetics with clinical outcomes, leading to proprietary and commercially viable PGx products that enable better drug treatment. The Company's first product is a genetic predictor of response to treatment for sepsis, a severe blood infection.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are not based on historical fact. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

For further information: Chris Wagner, President and CEO, Sirius Genomics, [phone]