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Advancis Pharmaceutical to change name by June 30

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006

Advancis Pharmaceutical Corp. of Germantown and Sanofi-Aventis of France have submitted, as expected, a joint proposal to a federal judge calling for Advancis to surrender its trademark registrations for its name by June 30.

Edward M. Rudnic, president and CEO, said in a statement, ‘‘We are gratified that we were able to reach a mutually acceptable agreement with Sanofi-Aventis to resolve the trademark issue without significant hardship or financial impact to Advancis.”

Also, Advancis reported increased sales of its Keflex antibiotic product to $2.4 million for the quarter ended Sept. 30, from $1.2 million in the prior-year quarter. Overall, Advancis reported a net loss of $9.9 million for the quarter, compared with a net loss of $5.9 million a year ago.

Two companies joinRockville incubator

RNL Bio Inc., an adult stem cell biosciences company in Seoul, South Korea, will establish its first presence in this country with RNL Biostar Inc., a research and development facility at the Maryland Technology Development Center in Rockville.

Another new tenant at the incubator is Envisionier, which has developed a portable endoscopic camera that can be used in a clinical setting for video endoscopy. Envisionier was started by CEO Patrick Melder of Clarksburg, who has an ear, nose and throat practice in Bethesda.

People on the move

Advancis Pharmaceutical Corp. of Germantown promoted Robert W. Bannon to vice president, investor relations and corporate communications. Previously, Bannon, who joined the company in 2003, was director of investor relations. He also worked for Nasdaq. Advancis also promoted Robert C. Low to CFO. Previously, Low, who joined the company in 2003 as corporate controller, was acting CFO and vice president, finance, a title he retains. Earlier, he was senior vice president and corporate controller for American Medical Laboratories Inc.

Deborah Yancer, president and COO of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, was elected chairwoman of the Board of Advisors at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. Other new officers of the 24-member board include James Mannarino, group president, The Gazette, first vice chairman; and Ginny Gong, director, Montgomery County Office of Community Use of Public Facilities, second vice chairwoman and secretary. Also, state Treasurer Nancy Kopp (D) was named chairwoman of the Scholarship Committee.

GenVec Inc. of Gaithersburg named Dr. Mark O. Thornton senior vice president, clinical development. Previously, Thornton was chief medical officer at Ziopharm Inc., managing director of clinical and regulatory affairs at Angiotech Pharmaceuticals and a medical officer at the Food and Drug Administration Center for Biologics.

Richard Macedonia, CEO of Sodexho Inc. of Gaithersburg was named to the external diversity advisory board of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP of New York.

Avalon Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Germantown named David Kabakoff a director. Kabakoff is president and CEO of Strategy Advisors. Previously, he was chairman and CEO of Salmedix Inc. and held executive positions with Dura Pharmaceuticals, Corvas International and Hybritech Inc.

Lisa Flaxman, president and founder of musiKids of Bethesda, won the inaugural Sapphire Award from the Women Business Owners of Montgomery County. Flaxman was chosen for her ‘‘success as a Montgomery County woman business owner and for her philanthropic efforts.”

McShea & Co. Inc. of Gaithersburg promoted Rusty McCabe and Andy Shulman to assistant vice president. McCabe joined McShea in 1999, Shulman in 2002.

Manna Food Center of Rockville elected the following new directors: Marla Caplon of North Bethesda, Montgomery County Public Schools Division of Food and Nutrition Services; Marcie Lovett of Olney, owner of Organized by Marcie; Ken Pins of Rockville, a retired journalist; Char Rosnick of Rockville, constituent services, Rep. Christopher Van Hollen Jr. (D-Dist. 8) of Kensington; and Craig Zucker of Brookeville, Service Employees International Union.

The Women Business Owners of Montgomery County presented its Astra Award to Peggy Robbins for her volunteer contributions and ‘‘commitment to community service outside of her workplace.” Robbins established the Evening Star program, which provides prom dresses to county high school students. The group also gave its Chloe Award to Jordyn Wolfand, a Montgomery Blair High School senior, who has demonstrated ‘‘superior academic performance, leadership and a commitment to community service.” Wolfand volunteers about 40 hours a month with several community groups.