Insulet (NSDQ:PODD) last month named Bret Christensen as its chief commercial officer to lead the company’s sales, marketing, customer care, market access and advocacy.
He most recently served as GM of Myriad Genetics’ preventive care business division.
He has also worked as VP of sales and marketing of the gynecologic surgical products unit at Hologic.
“I am thrilled to welcome a leader of Bret’s caliber to run Insulet’s commercial operations,” president & chief operating officer Shacey Petrovic said in prepared remarks. “Over the past year, Insulet has achieved considerable growth and we remain focused on further penetrating both the diabetes and drug delivery markets. Bret’s extensive commercial expertise will be a tremendous asset as we drive execution of our strategic plan.”
“Insulet has a differentiated platform, a significant growth opportunity and a terrific team,” Christensen added. “I am excited to join at a time when the company is rapidly expanding and making such great strides in product innovation.”
Also last month, the Billerica, Mass.-based company posted losses of $10 million, or 17¢ per share, on sales of $101.7 million for the 3 months ended March 31, seeing losses grow 20.1% while sales grew 25.2% compared with the same period in the previous year.
Losses per share for the quarter were 2¢ higher than the 15¢ consensus on Wall Street, where analysts were expecting to see revenue of $97.8 million.
Chief financial officer departs Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) said last week that executive VP of global services and chief financial officer Derica Rice is slated to retire at the end of Dec. 2017.
Rice has worked at Lilly since 1990 and has served in a variety of roles, including GM in the UK and CFO of European operations. The company said it is considering both internal and external candidates to replace Rice.
“On behalf of our shareholders, our board, our executive team and the company, I want to thank Derica for his leadership as our CFO over the past eleven years,” chairman, president & CEO David Ricks said. “Derica has been a core part of Lilly’s turnaround, our innovation strategy and our consistent ability to set and then meet targets and commitments. His personal integrity and commitment to our company has been unwavering. Derica helped navigate the YZ period, served as a trusted advisor to three CEOs, left a lasting impact on Lilly talent across the globe and transformed our global services delivery organization.The entire Lilly family would like to thank Derica and wish him the very best in his next set of endeavors.”
“It’s been a true calling to work at Lilly, helping people live longer, healthier lives. I can’t think of a more noble pursuit than that,” Rice said. “It’s been a wonderful ride and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
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Pacira president to leave by the end of June
Pacira Pharmaceuticals (NSDQ:PCRX) said last month that its president, James Scibetta, is resigning to take the corner office of an unnamed private oncology company. Scibetta is slated to remain with the company until June 30.
“Jim has played an integral role in transitioning Pacira into a commercial-stage organization and establishing Exparel as an innovative opioid-sparing solution for postsurgical pain. On behalf of the entire organization, we wish him great success in his new position,” chairman & CEO Dave Stack said.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the Pacira team and I am especially grateful to have experienced the accomplished and passionate leadership of Dave Stack, along with our entire board of directors,” Scibetta added. “With a strong, multi-disciplinary management team in place, I believe Pacira is better positioned than ever before to broaden the use of Exparel and make a meaningful difference to the individuals and communities affected by the national opioid crisis.”
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Alucent names president, CEO
Dr. Myles Greenberg was named president & CEO of Alucent Medical last month. The company is developing a drug device combination product for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease and won FDA approval to begin Phase I human testing in May.
Alucent is owned by the R&D unit of Avera Health.
“NVS Therapy has the potential to dramatically improve the care of patients suffering from debilitating peripheral vascular disease, and I look forward to being a part of the team advancing this groundbreaking technology into patient treatment” Dr. Greenberg said.
“Dr. Greenberg’s experience and knowledge of the biotechnology landscape will guide us through the crucial next steps of development,” Dave Kapaska, regional president & CEO of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, said. “Avera has been supporting and investing in the research and development of this product since its inception, and with his leadership, we can realize its potential.”
“With his years of experience helping early-stage companies develop new medical technologies, Dr. Greenberg is the right person to move Alucent forward toward successful clinical trials and eventual marketing,” Alucent chairman James Corbett added. “We look forward to the successful development of this important new therapy for patients.”
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Pieris adds to board of directors
Pieris Pharmaceuticals (NSDQ:PIRS) said last month that James Geraghty has joined its board of directors.
Geraghty recently served as an entrepeneur in residence at Third Rock Ventures. He was also previously the senior VP of North America strategy and business development at Sanofi, as well as senior VP of international development and president of Genzyme Europe.
“With the upcoming advancement of Pieris’ lead immuno-oncology and respiratory drug candidates into the clinic and its recent strategic partnerships, Pieris is poised to make significant contributions to patients with critical unmet medical needs,” Geraghty said. “I look forward to working with Steve and the rest of the team during this exciting time for Pieris.”
“It’s a great pleasure to welcome Jim to the Pieris board,” president & CEO Stephen Yoder added. “I’m confident Jim’s strong life sciences pedigree and extensive background in company building will positively impact our Company as we continue our strong growth trajectory.”
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