RADNOR, Pa.- Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat rare seizure disorders, today announced the hiring of Steven E. Pfanstiel as Chief Financial Officer and Lisa Lejuwaan to the newly created position of Vice President of Sales. The appointments reflect Marinus’ continued commitment to building a strong leadership team and its planning for potential commercialization of ganaxolone in CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD).
“I am thrilled that Marinus continues to build and attract stellar leaders such as Lisa and Steve, who will be instrumental in positioning the company for its next phase of growth,” said Scott Braunstein, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Marinus Pharmaceuticals. “Both bring skills and seasoned expertise that will prove invaluable as we build our organization and prepare for potential commercial launch.”
Mr. Pfanstiel, has a long track record in life sciences and pharmaceuticals, supporting the financial side of R&D, supply chain, and global commercialization organizations. He brings 16 years of J&J experience in various financial reporting and business support roles and was most recently Vice President, Finance for LifeScan of Malvern, PA, a world leader in blood glucose monitoring known for its OneTouch brand products for managing diabetes. At LifeScan, he was responsible for a finance team of over 40 and drove significant cost savings while optimizing investment in sales and marketing.
Ms. Lejuwaan brings an extensive background in pharmaceutical and biotech sales, with a particular expertise in launching therapies for rare neurological disorders. She was most recently Executive Sales Director, Neurology Franchise at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, where she managed a sales team of 56 and was responsible for creation and execution of the overall commercial plan in Alexion’s neurology business unit.
“Marinus is committed to making a significant difference in the lives of people touched by rare pediatric and refractory epilepsy,” said Steven Pfanstiel. “The science is strong, and I am pleased to bring a strong financial discipline and foundation to support the company in its continued development activities and as it plans for commercialization of ganaxolone.”
“I have seen first-hand the significance a new therapy can have for people and families affected by rare neurological disorders,” said Lisa Lejuwaan. “Ganaxolone holds promise for rare pediatric and refractory epilepsy, and I am honored for the opportunity to build the strategy and commercial launch plan for ganaxolone and make a difference in the lives of these patients.”
Steven Pfanstiel, Chief Financial Officer
Prior to LifeScan, Mr. Pfanstiel held financial leadership roles in a wide range of life sciences and pharmaceutical organizations, including Senior Director, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) at Optinose; Senior Director, Global Strategic Marketing, at Depuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson); Senior Director, North America Commercial, Worldwide Financial Reporting, and Portfolio for LifeScan & Animas (Johnson & Johnson). Prior to his roles with LifeScan and Optinose, Mr. Pfanstiel worked for 16 years in various divisions and operating companies of Johnson & Johnson.
Mr. Pfanstiel holds a B.A. in Physics from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN; an M.S. in Environmental Systems Engineering from Clemson University in Clemson, SC; and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis, IN.
Lisa Lejuwaan, Vice President of Sales
Lisa Lejuwaan has over 25 years of pharmaceutical sales and sales leadership experience. She joined Alexion Pharmaceuticals in 2014 as an account manager for the Atlanta region, quickly moving into sales leadership in Alexion’s neurological franchise, first as Business Director and then as Executive Sales Director. There, she managed sales in two neurological rare diseases, generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder, growing gMG to be the largest overall driver of revenue across Alexion.
Prior to Alexion, Ms. Lejuwaan worked for 13 years with Sanofi Genzyme in a variety of sales, field marketing and sales leadership roles for surgical devices and endocrine therapies. She has also held sales positions in Galena Biopharma, Sankyo Parke Davis, Abbott Laboratories, Mark Clark Medical Supplies, and Astra Pharmaceuticals.
Ms. Lejuwaan holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Business from Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, where she graduated with honors and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key honor societies.
About Marinus Pharmaceuticals
Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat rare seizure disorders. Ganaxolone is a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors that acts on a well-characterized target in the brain known to have anti-seizure, antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. Ganaxolone is being developed in IV and oral dose formulations intended to maximize therapeutic reach to adult and pediatric patient populations in both acute and chronic care settings. Marinus recently completed the first ever Phase 3 pivotal trial in children with CDKL5 deficiency disorder, is conducting a Phase 2 trial in tuberous sclerosis complex, and has recently disclosed top line results from itsPhase 2 proof-of-concept trial in PCDH19-related epilepsy. The company has initiated a Phase 3 trial in refractory status epilepticus. For more information visit www.marinuspharma.com.
Contact:
Sasha Damouni Ellis
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
484-253-6792
[email protected]