Singapore, Aug 31, 2010: Australian pharma, Clinuvel has announced the resignation of its Non-Executive Director Dr Roger Aston.

Dr Aston was appointed to Clinuvel's Board in March 2005, and was Executive Chair of the Board from September 2005 until December 2007. During his time with Clinuvel, Dr Aston is said to have overseen a total refocus of the program for Scenesse (afamelanotide), the company's vitiligo drug, and has since taken an active Non-Executive role, including chairing the company's Audit & Risk Committee.

Dr Aston said, “As Clinuvel progresses its program for Scenesse towards commercialization, I must focus my energies on my role as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Halcygen Pharmaceuticals. I am proud of where Clinuvel stands today and excited by its prospect to realise its potential.”

Clinuvel's Chairman, Mr Stan McLiesh, said, “Dr Aston has made a very valuable contribution to the direction of the company over the past five years and, on behalf of the Board, I thank him for his insight, energy and effort to advance our program of Scenesse. I wish Dr Aston well in his future endeavors.”

Non-Executive Director Mrs Brenda Shanahan will now assume the role chairing Clinuvel's Audit and Risk Committee.