Akonni Biosystems Announces the Appointment of CFO

Mr. Smilek has extensive professional financial and administrative experience in emerging growth companies. His most recent position was as CFO and Treasurer of Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCMP) where he co-lead the acquisition of Sucampo AG in December 2010, a transaction valued at $80 million. His experience also includes the position of Senior Director – Finance for Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: VNDA), where he participated in a successful IPO. Earlier in Mr. Smilek’s career he served as Senior Manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he played an active role in public offerings and private placements, mergers and acquisitions for a variety of public and private technology companies with multinational operations. A native of the Czech Republic, he received his bachelor’s degree in economics from the School of Economics in Bratislava, and holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business.

"I'm very delighted and honored to join the exciting team at Akonni under the guidance of Dr. Charles Daitch, who is known as an industry-recognized entrepreneur," noted Mr. Smilek. "Akonni’s technology and products have the potential to set new standards in genetic testing for healthcare, industrial, biothreat detection and forensics applications. I am looking forward to immediately applying my experience and knowledge to take this dynamic company to the next level."

Dr. Charles Daitch, CEO of Akonni stated, "I am eager to apply Mr. Smilek’s skills to our business plan. His unique experience and extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry and U.S. public markets make him a perfect fit for the direction and the long-term goals of our company."