RALEIGH, N.C., July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. (NASDAQ :BDSI ) announced today that Enoch Bortey, Ph.D., has joined the company as Vice President of Clinical Biostatistics and Data Systems.  In this capacity, Dr. Bortey will be responsible for overseeing the global design and development of the biostatistics function, translating the development strategies into tactical statistical plans to support product development objectives.  He will report to Dr. Andrew Finn, Executive Vice President of Product Development.

Dr. Bortey brings over 24 years of pharmaceutical industry drug development experience to the BDSI development team.  He most recently was Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations and Biometrics at Salix Pharmaceuticals where over an 8 year period he progressed in responsibility from a role in biometrics to a combined role in biometrics and clinical operations.  During the course of his Salix experience, he contributed to the U.S. approval of a number of products that involved complex statistical and clinical issues for indications including irritable bowel syndrome and opioid induced constipation.  With the addition of this expertise, BDSI believes it is well positioned to address its expanding opportunities, including with Buprenorphine Depot Injection and the continuing examination of Clonidine Topical Gel as well as other future product development opportunities. 

"Dr. Bortey adds to our expertise in the clinical, statistical and regulatory aspects of drug development that are and will be critical to our growth as we continue to progress our pipeline of products including Buprenorphine Depot Injection and Clonidine Topical Gel, and support our existing marketed products such as BUNAVAIL," said Dr. Finn.  "Dr. Bortey played a key role in the successful development of the Salix product portfolio, and we look forward to capitalizing on his experience and expertise."

Prior to joining Salix, Dr. Bortey was Senior Director of Biostatistics for Nabi Biopharmaceuticals.  Dr. Bortey earned his Ph.D. degree in Biostatistics from the Medical College of Virginia.

About BioDelivery Sciences International

BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus in the areas of pain management and addiction medicine.  BDSI is utilizing its novel and proprietary BioErodible MucoAdhesive (BEMA^®) technology and other drug delivery technologies to develop and commercialize, either on its own or in partnership with third parties, new applications of proven therapies aimed at addressing important unmet medical needs.

BDSI's development strategy focuses on utilization of the FDA's 505(b)(2) approval process. This regulatory pathway creates the potential for more timely and efficient approval of new formulations of previously approved therapeutics.

BDSI's particular area of focus is the development and commercialization of products in the areas of pain management and addiction. These are areas where BDSI believes its drug delivery technologies and products can best be applied to address critical unmet medical needs.  BDSI's marketed products and those in development address serious and debilitating conditions such as breakthrough cancer pain, chronic pain, painful diabetic neuropathy and opioid dependence.

BDSI's headquarters is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.  

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Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any statements of employees, representatives and partners of BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. (the "Company") related thereto (including, without limitation, at the presentations described herein) contain, or may contain, among other things, certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties.  Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions and other statements identified by words such as "projects," "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "potential" or similar expressions.  These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Actual results (including, without limitation, the performance of the Company employee described herein and the results of related Company initiatives) may differ significantly from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control).  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future presentations or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

BDSI^®, BEMA^® and BUNAVAIL^® are registered trademarks of BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc.  The BioDelivery Sciences and BUNAVAIL logos are trademarks owned by BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc  All other trademarks and tradenames are owned by their respective owners.

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SOURCE BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc.

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