Alpha Therapeutic Appoints Hans Engels, Ph.D. as Vice President, Production and Engineering.

LOS ANGELES--(BW HealthWire)--May 11, 1999--

Alpha Therapeutic Corp. Tuesday announced the appointment of Hans Engels, Ph.D. as vice president, production and engineering.

Engels will be responsible for the planning, scheduling and production of plasma products at the fractionation facility in Los Angeles. He will manage the engineering projects currently underway and those in the planning stages that will significantly expand the company's capacity for the future. He will also oversee the facilities maintenance operations.

Alpha is currently in the midst of a significant capital expansion program that will include the addition of 80,000 square feet to the current production facility. That facility will include new, state-of-the-art aseptic filling lines and other production enhancements.

Engels has extensive experience in the biological and pharmaceutical industries, including various positions with Bayer Corp. in the United States and Germany. He earned both a master of science and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Aachen, Germany and a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Dusseldorf, Germany.

"We are excited by the extensive growth and expansion at Alpha. Dr. Engels will provide an added level of executive management that will help us effectively address the complex requirements of our industry for the future," said Willie Zuniga, senior vice president, manufacturing operations.

Alpha is a leading developer of plasma derived biopharmaceutical products including coagulation factors, immune globulins and plasma volume expanders. With headquarters in Los Angeles, the company has more than 3,000 employees. Alpha is committed to providing high quality, safe and cost effective therapeutics for improved patient care worldwide.