Orthocell recruits Fiona Wood

Burns surgeon Fiona Wood has been appointed to the board of John Van Der Wielen-chaired biotechnology company Orthocell as it prepares for international commercialisation.

Dr Wood is set to join the Murdoch-based company as non-executive director from November 1, with her appointment expected to strengthen the board and help drive Orthocell’s global commercialisation plans for its medical devices and cellular therapies.

Dr Wood has been a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and burns researcher for the past 30 years, most notably pioneering a spray-on skin solution for burns now used worldwide.

She currently serves as the director of the Burns Service of WA and as a consultant plastic surgeon at Fiona Stanley Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.

Dr Wood was Western Australia’s first female plastic surgeon and co-founded Fiona Wood Foundation in 1999 to research innovative treatments to heal burns.

She was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2003, the Western Australian Citizen of the Year in 2005 and Australian of the Year in that same year.

Speaking on her appointment at Orthocell, Dr Wood said she had been involved with the ASX-listed company in its earliest stages when its first medical products were being created.

“I believe Orthocell’s nerve repair medical device has strong potential to revolutionise treatment of complex nerve injuries and to be utilised globally to regain motor and sensor function,” she said.

“I very much look forward to working with the team to support this important phase of global commercialisation. This is a proud national achievement, as Orthocell takes life-changing, Australian-made products to the world.”

Mr Van Der Wielen said Dr Wood had an unrivalled track record in the development of tissue related medical devices and drugs.

“Professor Wood is a globally recognised plastic and reconstructive surgeon and one of Australia’s most innovative and respected surgeons and researchers,” Mr Van Der Wielen said.

“It says a great deal about our company to secure the services of such a globally recognised professional.”

In the same announcement to the ASX today, Orthocell revealed board member Qi Xiao Zhou would be retiring from the company after 11 years.

On the market, Orthocell Limited shares last traded at 32 cents per share, a 5.9 per cent drop from its last closing price of 34 cents per share.