BioDelivery Sciences International (NSDQ:BDSI) said today that it named Peter Ginsberg as its VP of business development.

Prior to joining the Raleigh, N.C.-based company, Ginsberg led business development at United Therapeutics and directed a $350 million sale of the company’s priority review voucher. He has also served as VP of business & technology development for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, advising and financing emerging biotech companies. Ginsberg also lead acquisitions and licensing transactions for SurModics as the VP of business development & strategic planning.

“We are very pleased to have Peter join BDSI given the depth and level of experience he brings as we look to enhance our focus on business development opportunities, particularly given the recent reacquisition of Belbuca,” president & CEO Mark Sirgo said in prepared remarks. “This hire will allow us to augment our efforts behind business opportunities for Belbuca and Bunavail both outside as well as inside the U.S.”

Yesterday, BioDelivery said its clonidine topical gel for pain relief in patients with diabetic neuropathy failed in a phase IIb clinical trial and that the company will halt any further development of the painkiller. The new data comes 1 week after the company said it reacquired the rights to the Belbuca opioid patch from Endo Pharmaceuticals.