Benitec Limited (ASX:BLT) Appoints Dr. Peter French As New Chief Scientific Officer

Melbourne, Aug 3, 2009 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The Directors of Benitec Limited (ASX:BLT)(PINK:BNIKF) are delighted to announce that Dr Peter French will be joining the Benitec team as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), initially on a part time basis. Dr French will commence this role on 3 August 2009 and will report to the Chief Executive Officer Sue MacLeman.

Peter French, Ph.D, is a cell and molecular biologist who has been extensively involved in both basic and clinical medical research and commercialisation of biological intellectual property. His research areas of expertise include cell biology, immunology, infectious disease (including HIV/AIDS), neurobiology and oncology. He obtained his Ph.D in 1987 for work performed at CSIRO and carried out postdoctoral research at the Children's Medical Research Foundation, Sydney. In 1989 he became Principal Scientific Officer and Manager of the Centre for Immunology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney. He also has an MBA in Technology Management.

Over the past 10 years Dr French has been extensively involved in leadership roles in Australia's biotechnology industry, including founding the stem cell storage company Cryosite, a listed public company. Dr French is a Past President of the Australia and New Zealand Society for Cell and Developmental Biology, and represented Australia's biological scientists on the Board of FASTS, Australia's peak government lobbying organisation for science and technology. Most recently he was instrumental in helping to establish another public biotechnology company, Fermiscan Ltd, where he remains Chief Scientist and Innovation Manager.

"We are delighted that Peter is joining the Benitec team. As CSO he will be responsible for the Company's R&D programme including the next City of Hope stem cell trial, progression of the T cell program to the clinic later this year and the Hepatitis B collaboration with Biomics. He will also be responsible for further discussions regarding other potential collaborations and projects" said Sue MacLeman, CEO Benitec Limited.

Contact

BENITEC LTD Sue MacLeman Chief Executive Officer TEL: +61-437-211-200