press release archive

Brian Cunningham Named Chairman of Bay Area Bioscience Center

SAN FRANCISCO, - February 25, 2002

The Bay Area Bioscience Center (BayBio) has selected, Brian C. Cunningham, president and chief operating officer of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL), as the organization's chairman. Mr. Cunningham will serve a one-year term. BayBio is a San Francisco-based, non-profit organization of bioscience companies and research institutions that works to strengthen Northern California's climate for bioscience research, development and commercialization through public policy, education and outreach.

"The Bay Area is truly the epicenter of bioscience research and development. As the new Chair of BayBio, I hope to communicate the extraordinary accomplishments and future potential of the region's biotech industry to attract more investment, talent and research to the Bay Area community," said Mr. Cunningham. "Many of the world's leading bioscience companies are right here in our own backyard. If our past successes are any indication, the future holds considerable promise," he added.

Prior to joining Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mr. Cunningham was a partner in the law firm Cooley Godward LLP, where he was head of the Life Sciences Group and the Health Care Group. Previously, he served as vice president, secretary and general counsel of Genentech Inc. In addition, he was associate corporate counsel of Monsanto and a securities attorney at Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts in New York City. Mr. Cunningham currently serves as a director of Synarc Inc., a privately held corporation.

About BayBio

The mission and purpose of the Bay Area Bioscience Center (BayBio) is to strengthen Northern California's climate for bioscience research, development and commercialization through public policy, education and outreach. More information about BayBio and a list of member companies may be found at www.bayareabioscience.org.