PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galena Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: GALE ), a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative, targeted oncology treatments that address major medical needs across the full spectrum of cancer care, today announced it has hired Joseph Lasaga as Vice President, Business Development and Alliance Management, reporting to the President and CEO.
"Joe is an experienced and accomplished business development professional, and we are excited to have him join the Galena team," said Mark W. Schwartz, Ph.D., President and CEO. "In addition to significant transaction experience and a global network of industry contacts, Joe brings a strong background in research, drug development, and alliance management. As our commercial programs and development pipeline continue to mature, we will seek opportunities to extend the value of our individual assets as well as Galena as a whole."
Mr. Joseph Lasaga has more than 17 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry in the areas of research and development, business development, alliance management and product strategy. Prior to joining Galena, Mr. Lasaga spent four years at Nektar Therapeutics, most recently as Senior Director, Business Development where he led the successful execution of several transactions for the company and managed several key partnerships. He was primarily responsible for leading global business development and licensing activities for Nektar's oncology portfolio, which included early stage pre-clinical and late stage clinical programs. Between 1998-2010, Mr. Lasaga worked at Rigel Pharmaceuticals where he held roles of increasing responsibility across various departments departing as Associate Director of Business Development. He led and participated in many buy-side and sell-side asset transactions adding significant value to the organization during his tenure there. Mr. Lasaga received his Masters of Business Administration in Marketing from San Francisco State University and his Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from San Jose State University.
About Galena Biopharma
Galena Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: GALE ) is a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative, targeted oncology therapeutics that address major medical needs across the full spectrum of cancer care. Galena's development portfolio ranges from mid- to late-stage clinical assets, including a robust immunotherapy program led by NeuVax™ (nelipepimut-S) currently in an international, Phase 3 clinical trial. The Company's commercial drugs include Abstral® (fentanyl) Sublingual Tablets and Zuplenz® (ondansetron) Oral Soluble Film. Collectively, Galena's clinical and commercial strategy focuses on identifying and advancing therapeutic opportunities to improve cancer care, from direct treatment of the disease to the reduction of its debilitating side-effects. For more information, visit www.galenabiopharma.com .
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the plans and objectives of management for future operations and business development, progress of the commercialization of Abstral® and development of Galena's product candidates, including patient enrollment in our clinical trials, as well as statements about our expectations, plans and prospects. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those identified under "Risk Factors" in Galena's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. Galena does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views or events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release.
Abstral and NeuVax are trademarks of Galena Biopharma, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Remy Bernarda VP, Marketing & Communications (503) 405-8258
