ABOUT AXELA
	The People

Jean-Francois (J.F.) Houle, Ph.D.
Director, Technical Applications

Dr. Houle joined Axela Inc. as Director of Technical Applications in September of 2004. He brings an intimate knowledge of Molecular/Cellular Biology, Protein Biochemistry in human and animal model systems as well as significant experience in the identification and realization of strategic partnerships opportunities for a biotechnology company. Dr. Houle has also consulted on Biotech investments for investment firms providing technical and IP assessments.

Prior to joining Axela, Dr. Houle was Director of Business Development at SYNX Pharma Inc., a proteomics discovery firm developing novel biomarkers for clinical diagnostics. In his capacity as Director of Business Development, he was accountable for identifying and evaluating novel diagnostic technologies as well as pursuing strategic partnerships with biotechnology, pharmaceutical and diagnostic firms.

During his tenure at SYNX, he played a key role in the signature of a licensing agreement with Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, a research alliance with a US based multinational company for the discovery of novel protein biomarkers and the successful merger of SYNX with Nanogen of San Diego in April 2004.

JF holds a B.Sc. (Honours) in Biochemistry, majoring in Biotechnology from the University of Ottawa and a Ph.D. from the Division of Experimental Medicine at McGill University. He completed his postdoctoral work at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He has been published in industry journals such as Nucleic Acids Research, Gene and Cancer Research.