Harvard-Trained, Eli Lilly and Company Researcher Joins Saint Joseph's Translational Research Institute as Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Singh has more than 22 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and broad experience in drug discovery on small molecules, as well as bio-molecules, including protein, antibody and gene therapy. He brings a deep expertise for drug discovery and development in the areas of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease and diabetes with a focus on vascular biology and regenerative medicine. Dr. Singh has led multiple cross-functional projects that have led to viable clinical candidates.

SJTRI is a private, nonprofit research institute that combines the efficiencies of a commercial contract research organization with the resources of an academic institution. By bridging academia, private industry, and nonprofit, SJTRI serves as a catalyst for collaboration and offers leading clinical solutions and resources to move new devices and therapeutic technologies from bench to bedside faster.

Unlike any other translational research institute, SJTRI employs a mixture of industry and academic staff; provides access to the medical expertise and resources of Saint Joseph's Health System - locally through Saint Joseph's Hospital and nationally through Catholic Health East; and now offers cutting-edge facilities for preclinical and clinical studies, physician education and training and regulatory assistance.

"Jai Pal Singh is a critical addition to our executive leadership team," said Nicolas Chronos, M.D., president of SJTRI and world-renowned cardiologist. "His academic training, research expertise and industry knowledge will offer our customers unrivaled scientific opportunities."

While at Lilly, Dr. Singh initiated and led the cardiac and peripheral ischemia program. He is widely published with more than 55 publications and 18 U.S. patents and is routinely invited to speak at national and international scientific conferences. Dr. Singh completed his undergraduate and master's degree in science in India with highest honors. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he received a Ph.D. in biochemistry. He completed his research fellowship at Harvard University Medical School. In addition to his scientific leadership, Dr. Singh was an active community leader while living in Indianapolis, serving as the president and chairman of the India Association of Indianapolis, member of the board of directors of the American Red Cross and member of other civic organizations. He will relocate with his family to Atlanta.

In May, SJTRI previewed its new, 32,000-square-foot preclinical research facility to international audiences during the 2009 BIO International Convention in Atlanta. The addition of Dr. Singh and the opening of the new facility catapults SJTRI into a highly-competitive international research destination.

About Saint Joseph's Translational Research Institute

Saint Joseph's Translational Research Institute is a private, nonprofit research institute that combines the efficiencies of a commercial contract research organization with the resources of an academic institution. SJTRI was founded as the American Cardiovascular Research Institute by Nicolas Chronos, M.D., in 1999. In 2003, ACRI merged into the Saint Joseph's Health System providing the vast resources of the Catholic Health East network. While academically focused, SJTRI understands the end goal of bringing devices and therapies to market, which is why half of the SJTRI employees have experience in private industry. SJTRI offers preclinical and clinical resources, regulatory support, collaborative funding opportunities and physician education and training. For more information, visit www.sjtri.org.

About Saint Joseph's Hospital

Saint Joseph's, the region's premier provider of cardiac and vascular services and recognized as one of the 50 top hospitals in the country, is Atlanta's oldest hospital. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1880, today Saint Joseph's is a 410-bed, acute-care hospital recognized as one of the leading specialty-referral hospitals in the Southeast and is a part of Saint Joseph's Health System, which includes Saint Joseph's Translational Research Institute (SJTRI). As a leader in cardiac, neurologic, vascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, orthopaedic and cancer care, Saint Joseph's offers its patients the latest procedures and treatments through more than 750 physicians.

In addition to serving the metro-Atlanta area, patients come from all over Georgia, nearby states and internationally to experience Saint Joseph's specialized services, excellent reputation and unique patient experience. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph's is a member of Catholic Health East.

SOURCE: Saint Joseph's Translational Research Institute (SJTRI)

For Saint Joseph's Translational Research Institute (SJTRI) 
Spoeth Strategic Communications 
Shelly Spoeth, 404-549-9492 
shelly@spoethstrategic.com