RADNOR, Pa. – Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat seizure disorders, today announced the appointment of Santiago Arroyo, M.D., Ph.D., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Arroyo brings more than 30 years of experience in academic neurology and pharmaceutical research and development.
“Santiago’s expansive background in leadership roles at global biopharmaceutical companies, along with his expertise as a neurologist in the hospital setting and serving as principal investigator on multiple late-stage drug trials, will be instrumental as Marinus continues to grow its pipeline,” said Scott Braunstein, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Marinus. “With his deep understanding of successful clinical development and insights in pediatric and adult epilepsy and electrophysiology, we believe he will provide a valuable perspective to our Board and will be a tremendous asset as we expand into new indications.”
Dr. Arroyo has had an extensive career in academic neurology and clinical research and development. Before joining the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Arroyo was an instructor in neurology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and helped set up and run the epilepsy programs at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain. Most recently, he served as Chief Medical Officer of Momenta Pharmaceuticals (acquired in 2020 by Johnson & Johnson). Prior to his role at Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Arroyo served as Chief Medical Officer of Boston Pharmaceuticals, focusing on the therapeutic areas of immunology, oncology, and infectious diseases. Dr. Arroyo also held the roles of Senior Vice President, Head of Clinical Research and Chief Medical Officer of Biotherapeutics and Pharmatherapeutics at Pfizer Inc., in the areas of pain and neuroscience, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. He was therapeutic area head for neurosciences, discovery medicine and clinical pharmacology at Bristol-Myers Squibb and neurology global therapeutic area head for Eisai Global Clinical Development. Dr. Arroyo currently sits on the Board of the Danish biopharmaceutical company, Lundbeck. He received his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Madrid and his Ph.D. from the University of Barcelona, Spain.
“I’m delighted to join Marinus’ Board of Directors at this exciting juncture, as Marinus establishes its footprint in epilepsy, and ahead of its first potential launch next year,” said Dr. Arroyo. “With compelling clinical data and a strong leadership team in place, I look forward to contributing to the next phase of the company’s evolution, with the execution of several early-to-late-stage development activities that have the potential to change patients’ lives.”
Concurrent with Dr. Arroyo’s appointment, Enrique J. Carrazana, M.D. has stepped down from the Board, effective as of June 30, 2021. Dr. Carrazana served on the Marinus Board of Directors for eight years and was instrumental in the company’s current pursuit of therapies for both rare genetic disorders and status epilepticus.
“We are grateful for Dr. Carrazana’s service and valuable contributions to Marinus over the last several years,” said Dr. Braunstein. “His commitment and guidance have been instrumental in growing the company to where we are today, and I look forward to his continued success.”
About Marinus Pharmaceuticals
Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat 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 completed the first ever Phase 3 pivotal trial in children with CDKL5 deficiency disorder last year, is conducting a Phase 2 trial in tuberous sclerosis complex and has recently disclosed top-line results from its Phase 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, Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations
Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
484-253-6792
[email protected]