Zurex Pharma, Inc.—Specialty Pharma and Medical Technology Company—Forms New Agricultural Technology Subsidiary and Appoints Dairy Industry Executive

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zurex Pharma, Inc. (Zurex) has officially formed a new Agricultural Technology company, Zurex PharmAgra, LLC. (PharmAgra) in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Zurex’ unique antimicrobial technology provides a great opportunity within the animal hygiene market sector, particularly within the teat and wound treatment categories”

The Zurex technology platform consists of proprietary and novel antimicrobial products designed to prevent healthcare acquired infections. The lead product candidates will focus on surgical site infections and catheter-related blood stream infections in the hospital and outpatient settings. PharmAgra will apply the same technology platform to the agricultural animal and veterinary markets. The initial PharmAgra product is a novel non-iodine based sanitizer targeting dairy mastitis.

Zurex recently obtained an investment from the Peak Ridge AgTech Fund, also based in Madison, WI, to support operations and launch its first Agricultural Technology product in 2011. In order to accelerate these efforts, Michael C. Pawlak has been named Director of Agricultural Operations. Mr. Pawlak has over 30 years of dairy industry experience and formerly held executive management positions with BouMatic LLC and WestfaliaSurge GmbH / GEA Farm Technologies. "Zurex’ unique antimicrobial technology provides a great opportunity within the animal hygiene market sector, particularly within the teat and wound treatment categories," stated Mr. Pawlak. "Quality conscious dairy producers are looking for better ways to improve their herd health, particularly in controlling mastitis. The formation of Zurex PharmAgra in Wisconsin builds upon the State's focus on technology and agriculture."

“Mike brings a tremendous amount of expertise and knowledge to the Company,” said Carmine J. Durham, President and CEO. “With his management and marketing experience and contacts throughout the dairy industry, he will be a valuable addition to our team.”

Zurex PharmAgra has also chosen DeVere Chemical in Janesville, WI to provide contract product development, formulation and manufacturing services. “Mr. Randy Stevenson, Vice President of Operations at DeVere also has a great deal of experience working with agricultural and dairy industry products and will also be an integral part of our team as we grow, build out our product line and develop some of our own internal capabilities,” said Mr. Durham.