IRVINE, Calif. and REHOVOT, Israel, Nov. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- OticPharma, Ltd., a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring and developing innovative therapies for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders, today announced the appointment of Keith A. Katkin as chairman of the company's board of directors.
"We are happy to welcome Keith to the board," said Gregory J. Flesher, chief executive officer for OticPharma, Ltd. "Keith brings a wealth of experience in building successful organizations. As chairman, he will be able to share this experience and provide guidance as we advance our pipeline and grow the company over the coming years."
Mr. Katkin is currently the president and chief executive officer, and member of the board of directors of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, a position he has held since March of 2007. Mr. Katkin joined Avanir in July of 2005 as the senior vice president of sales and marketing and a member of Avanir's executive management team. Mr. Katkin was responsible for creating and executing the plan that led to the approval of Nuedexta, the growth of the company to commercial success, and the recent acquisition of the company by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co.
Prior to joining Avanir, Mr. Katkin served as the vice president, commercial development for Peninsula Pharmaceuticals, playing a key role in the concurrent initial public offering and ultimate sale of the company to Johnson and Johnson. Additionally, Mr. Katkin's employment experience includes leadership roles at InterMune, Amgen and Abbott Laboratories. Mr. Katkin is currently a member of the board of directors of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Rigel Therapeutics, Carbylan Therapeutics, CoverMyMeds, and the Brain Injury Association of America.
About OticPharma
OticPharma, established in 2008, is a clinical-stage drug development company active in the field of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders. The company is currently developing products based on its foam-based drug delivery platform (FoamOtic Externa) and its surfactant-based drug delivery platform (OTO-101).
About FoamOtic Externa
FoamOtic Externa is a proprietary, foam-based, extended-release formulation of ciprofloxacin antibiotic which has been designated for self-administration, once-daily to potentially treat acute otitis externa in minor and adult patients. The company completed a successful Phase 2 clinical trial and is planning to initiate a single pivotal phase 3 trial in 2016.
About OTO-101
OTO-101 is a proprietary, surfactant-based, antibiotic-free investigational drug product under development for the treatment of otitis media and other conditions of the ear. The product is intended for intranasal administration by patients or their caregivers. The company is currently planning to initiate phase 1 trials in 2016.
About Acute Otitis Externa
Acute otitis externa (AOE) or "swimmer's ear" is a generalized inflammation of the epithelium of the external ear canal which may also involve the pinna and/or the tympanic membrane (eardrum). It is variably characterized by erythema, edema, increased sebum or exudates, and desquamation of the epithelium. The vast majority of the cases of AOE are due to bacterial infections. The common treatment of AOE consists of antibiotics, with or without steroids, analgesics and water avoidance. Otic preparations are generally supplied in the form of liquid ear drops which are administered multiple times per day.
About Otitis Media
Otitis media is a generalized inflammation of the middle ear space behind the tympanic membrane (eardrum), which can occur with or without infection. When infection occurs, the initial condition is referred to as acute otitis media (AOM) and when the fluid persists in the middle ear space it becomes otitis media with effusion (OME). Recurrent and persistent cases of otitis media can become quite burdensome for patients, and can result in language and learning delays in young children. In older children and adults, chronic forms of otitis media can result in damage to the tympanic membrane and other structures of the middle ear and can lead to permanent hearing loss and other complications. Symptoms may include ear pain, pressure, fever, drainage, vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Contact
Gregory J. Flesher
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
OticPharma, Inc.
19900 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 550
Irvine, California 92612
Tel: +1 (949) 238-8090
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SOURCE OticPharma, Ltd.
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