Healthcare Industry News: Centocor Ortho Biotech Products
News Release - November 24, 2009
NeurogesX Appoints Seasoned Sales and Marketing Executive as New Board Director
SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 24 (Healthcare Sales & Marketing Network) -- NeurogesX, Inc. (Nasdaq: NGSX ), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel pain management therapies, today announced the appointment of John A. Orwin to its Board of Directors, effective November 19, 2009. Mr. Orwin is a 20-year sales and marketing veteran in the biopharmaceutical industry and has been instrumental in the launch of several important therapeutics.Mr. Orwin currently serves as Senior Vice President, BioOncology Business Unit at Genentech, Inc., a wholly-owned member of the Roche Group. In this role he is responsible for marketing, sales, business unit and late stage pipeline brand management for the largest oncology portfolio in the United States. Mr. Orwin led the successful introduction of several indications for the blockbuster products Avastin(R), Rituxan(R), Herceptin(R), and Tarceva(R) in the United States. He has also served as a member of the several governance committees between Genentech and Roche, Biogen Idec, and OSI Pharmaceuticals.
From 2001 to 2004, Mr. Orwin achieved increasing responsibility at Johnson & Johnson, up to Franchise Vice President, Oncology Franchise at Tibotec Therapeutics, a division of Centocor Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. His previous experience includes the positions of Senior Director, Oncology Marketing at Alza Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Johnson & Johnson); Vice President, Marketing at Sangstat Medical Corporation; Marketing Director, Asthma at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals; and Product Manager, Schering Oncology/Biotech at Schering-Plough Corporation. He led the successful launch of Taxotere in the United States while at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer and Thymoglobulin for Sangstat Medical Corporation.
Jean-Jacques Bienaime, Chairman of the NeurogesX Board of Directors, commented, "On behalf of the NeurogesX board, I would like to welcome John as our newest director. John has a successful track record introducing new therapeutics to the market, and we look forward to his contributions and insights as we focus on the upcoming launch of Qutenza(TM) in the United States and Europe. Strong sales and marketing capabilities are the foundation for a successful product launch, and the addition of John to the Board of Directors will be of significant value as the board and management team work together to ensure the success of the Qutenza brand."
Mr. Orwin said, "Launching a new product creates a significant growth opportunity, and Qutenza has great potential to deliver substantial value to patients, physicians and NeurogesX. The board and management team have executed an impressive clinical and regulatory strategy for Qutenza on par with biopharmaceutical industry leaders. I look forward to joining the board and advising on the commercial infrastructure and upcoming launch."
About NeurogesX, Inc.
NeurogesX, Inc. (Nasdaq: NGSX ) is a San Francisco Bay Area-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel pain management therapies. NeurogesX was founded on the concept that use of prescription strength capsaicin could help manage the pain associated with neuropathic pain conditions. Since its inception, NeurogesX has leveraged its passion to help people with pain to efficiently develop this concept and is now poised to bring its lead
product to patients and physicians. In addition, we continue to apply our knowledge and expertise in the development of other novel treatments for pain.
The Company's lead product, Qutenza(TM) (capsaicin) 8% patch, is a dermal delivery system containing a prescription strength of capsaicin that is currently approved in the United States and the European Union. NeurogesX expects to launch Qutenza in United States in the first half of 2010 for patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). In Europe, Qutenza will be marketed by Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., (Astellas), the European subsidiary of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc.
The Company's second most advanced product candidate, NGX-1998, is a topically applied, liquid formulation containing a high concentration of capsaicin designed to treat pain associated with neuropathic pain conditions. NGX-1998 has completed three Phase 1 studies.
The Company's early stage product pipeline includes pre-clinical compounds which are prodrugs of acetaminophen and various opioids. The Company has evaluated these compounds in vitro and in vivo.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). NeurogesX disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and claims the protection of the Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Act. Examples of such statements include but are not limited to: statements about the safety and efficacy of Qutenza(TM); the timing of launch of Qutenza; and development activities for NGX-1998 and other product candidates. Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: any regulatory approvals which are received may be limited to certain indications; Qutenza and NeurogesX' other product candidates may have unexpected adverse side effects; difficulties or delays in the launch and commercialization of Qutenza; and the outcomes of any submissions to the FDA for NeurogesX' products and product candidates. For further information regarding these and other risks related to NeurogesX' business, investors should consult NeurogesX' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: NeurogesX
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