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Dr. Johnson has 20 years of combined experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development. Most recently he was SVP of Research and Preclinical Development for Cellgate and provided leadership in R & D of novel molecular transporters and polyamine analogs for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases. Prior, Dr. Johnson was a start-up member of the senior executive team at DURECT Corporation, successfully participating in an IPO in September 2000 (NASDAQ: DRRX). Dr. Johnson served as Vice President of Pharmacology and Toxicology & Director of CNS Programs. At Roche Bioscience, Dr. Johnson held Department Head positions in the Neurobiology and Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry departments. Dr. Johnson provided scientific leadership for drug target discovery programs for treatments in analgesia and neurodegenerative diseases. In the Institute of Pharmacology at Syntex Research, he directed R&D efforts for developing neurotrophic factors for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and contributed to the discovery and development of the serotonin receptor (5-HT3) antagonist, Aloxi®. In the Department of Pharmacological Sciences at Genentech, Dr. Johnson contributed to the early understanding of the signaling of HER2/neu receptor. This work eventually helped contribute to the development of Herceptin®. Prior to industry, Dr. Johnson held the academic position of Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine. He has authored over 110 scientific publications, abstracts and book chapters, and is an inventor on ten U.S. and international patents. Currently, Dr. Johnson is Vice President for Preclinical Development at Auspex Pharmaceuticals. | 