Shirley J. Leow Honored for Contributions to Clinical Product Research and Development
Shirley J. Leow selected for inclusion in Cambridge Publishing's "Top 101 Industry Experts"

CORVALLIS, OR, December 8, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Shirley J. Leow, Vice President of Clinical Operations and Project Management for AVI BioPharma, has been recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in clinical product research and development.

With unparalleled expertise in pharmaceuticals, Shirley J. Leow lends more than 36 years of industry experience to AVI BioPharma. Specialized in clinical product development, she is recognized as a leader of strategic research in the pharmaceutical and biochemical industries. As the VP of clinical operations and project management, Ms. Leow utilizes her expertise to provide administrative oversight with regard to drug developments. Based on recent advancements that examine the chemical properties of various molecular compositions, AVI BioPharma is poised to introduce new products into the market - an endeavor that requires a finely honed knowledge of pharmaceuticals.

Prior to becoming a member of the AVI team, Ms. Leow contributed to significant product studies for Xanthus Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth, Navigant Biotechnologies and Pharmacia. One of her most considerable achievements was saving six million dollars for her company by turning a failed joint partnership project into a successful one, demonstrating her skills in both financial and organizational management. At AVI, where mRNA-based drugs (drugs that affect one of the building blocks of the human body) are the catalyst for research programs targeting genetic disorders, she has proven herself to be a highly adept executive.

In recognition of outstanding contributions to her field, Ms. Leow was honored with the W.E. Upjohn Leadership Award and a National Science Foundation grant. Most recently, she was selected for inclusion in Cambridge Publishing's "Top 101 Industry Experts" book. The Top Industry Experts reveal the objectives and triumphs prominent Cambridge members have achieved to gain success. Selected from more than 500,000 executives, professionals and entrepreneurs, these exemplary leaders stay at the top of their fields by possessing unique experience and wisdom, all the while exhibiting innovation in their work.

Ms. Leow is currently pursing a doctorate in leadership at Franklin Pierce University. She holds a masters of science in biomedical science from Western Michigan University. Ms. Leow served on the HIV Scientific Steering Committee of the National Institutes of Health and is professionally affiliated with the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association. Actively involved with a number of charities, she is a generous contributor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society.

For additional information about AVI BioPharma, please visit http://www.avibio.com.

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