Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the appointment of Armando Anido as chief executive officer and president and member of the company's board of directors, effective July 17, 2006, as the company looks toward commercialization of its pipeline products.
Anido previously served as executive vice president, sales and marketing of MedImmune, Inc. where he was also a member of that company's executive, product development and management committees, as well as the Chair of the commercial strategy team responsible for the commercial management of MedImmune's marketed brands. He currently is a member of the board of directors of Adolor Corporation. Gerri Henwood will resign as chief executive officer, Interim President, and Auxilium board member effective July 17, 2006 to pursue new opportunities given her track record as an entrepreneur. She will continue to work closely with the company as a consultant.
"Gerri has done an outstanding job building Auxilium into a high-growth, specialty pharmaceutical company with a powerful, late-stage clinical pipeline. We are pleased that Auxilium will continue to benefit from her experience as she works closely with the Company as a consultant. Thanks to her unwavering energy and entrepreneurial drive, we believe Auxilium is well positioned to grow its Testim franchise in the testosterone replacement therapy market and bring exciting new products to market. The company will commence a pivotal phase III trial with AA4500 for Dupuytren's Disease, and has already begun a Phase III trial for its testosterone replacement transmucosal film product this year. Armando brings commercial development, management and organizational expertise to Auxilium, and we believe that he has the proper skill set and experience to unlock the full commercial potential of Auxilium's current and future products," said Rolf Classon, Chairman of Auxilium's Board of Directors.
"I am extremely proud of our accomplishments over the last seven years and believe that Auxilium has never been stronger. I am confident that Armando will lead Auxilium to continued success and look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition," said Gerri Henwood, CEO of Auxilium.
Anido stated, "Joining Auxilium at this time represents a unique opportunity for me as there is already a track record of commercial success and a strong management team and robust clinical pipeline in place. I look forward to working with Auxilium's Board of Directors and management team to drive the company 's future growth."