BLAINEVILLE, Quebec — François-Xavier Lacasse has been appointed scientific director at Genacol Canada Inc.

The Quebec-based natural health supplements maker said Tuesday that in the new post, Lacasse will advise the company on scientific matters and on the development of new products.

"Apart from being highly qualified, François-Xavier brings to the team the vast expertise he has acquired in the pharmaceutical industry," commented Genacol Canada founder and president Guy Michaud. "Genacol and its clientele will now benefit from his know-how and knowledge."

According to the company, Lacasse has held several positions and was senior consultant for Anapharm, Xanthus Life Sciences Inc., Supratek Pharma Inc., Merck Frosst and LAB Pharmaceutical Research in Montreal. He is also a guest teacher at the Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Montreal, where he gives classes in nonclinical development and pharmaceutical development.

Genacol Canada’s flagship product is a bio-active collagen complex that uses exclusive Aminolock Sequence technology. The company’s natural health products are distributed in nearly 40 countries.