On September 7, 2017 GT Biopharma Inc. (OTCQB: OXISD) reported the appointment of Dr. Raymond Urbanski, the former business unit Chief Medical Officer and senior director of oncology research and development with Pfizer Inc. (PFE), as its new Chief Medical Officer (Press release, GT Biopharma , SEP 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234539539]).

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Dr. Urbanski will oversee development of key products in GT Biopharma’s product pipeline, including its platform targeted immunotherapy BiKE and TriKE technologies as well as its newly acquired Central Nervous System pipeline.

Dr. Urbanski spent eight years with Pfizer and held several positions with the company, including Vice President/CMO of the Established Products Business Unit, senior medical director of oncology clinical R&D, senior medical director of breast cancer products and medical director of diversified products.

He brings extensive experience in developing and overseeing clinical studies, including phase 3b and phase 4 studies (including line extensions) for sunitinib (Sutent), exemestane (Aromasin), irinotecan (Camptosar), epirubicin (Ellence), axitinib, IGF1R inhibitor, and tremelimumab.

In addition to his role with Pfizer, Dr. Urbanski served as Chief Medical Officer of Mylan Inc., Chief Medical Officer of Metabolex Inc., and Senior Director of US Medical Affairs for Aventis.

GT Biopharma Executive Chairman Anthony J. Cataldo said the appointment of Dr. Urbanski as Chief Medical Officer is a key development that comes at an exciting time for the Company.

"We announced on Tuesday the completion of our acquisition/merger of Georgetown Translational Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the elimination of all debt and a suite of neurological products that are late stage and close to market. Along with this, we have retained a world class CEO in Dr. Kathleen Clarence-Smith in the process. Her resume speaks for itself," Mr. Cataldo said.

"Now we complete our executive management team with another world class executive in Dr. Raymond Urbanski as our new CMO. His expertise in oncology assets and quick-to-market 505(b)2 products is timely for GT Biopharma Inc. Ray’s big pharma and biotech expertise is custom made for the assets of GT Biopharma. He will be instrumental in helping to guide our highly sought after oncology BiKE and TriKE platform technologies to commercial success. We are excited to have our "Dream Team" in place," Mr. Cataldo said.

Dr. Kathleen Clarence-Smith, Chief Executive Officer of GT Biopharma, said she is pleased that Dr. Urbanski is joining the GT Biopharma team.

"We have known each other for many years. He is not only highly experienced in drug development but hardworking and respected by his teams," Dr. Clarence-Smith said. "I admire his dedication to successfully getting product candidates over the finish line, and rapidly through the regulatory process, as attested by several approved NDAs, sNDAs, and BLAs. Ray’s expertise in the development of both oncology and neurology drugs is the perfect fit for GT Biopharma."

Dr. Urbanski said he believes his background will prove valuable at GT Biopharma, and he looks forward to pursuing the company’s promising oncology and Central Nervous System pipeline.

"My rise at Pfizer was rapid, as I went from a Medical Director to the Head of a business unit at the largest pharmaceutical company in the world in under 4 years. I have been involved in all phases of drug development from discovery through FDA phase 4 clinical trials and fast to market FDA 505 (b)(2) licenses. This included an abundance of Oncology assets," Dr. Urbanski said. "I believe it is my breadth of knowledge, experience and proven record of success that brings true value to GT Biopharma."