NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Retrophin, LLC, a privately held biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing treatments for rare and life-threatening diseases, today announced that it has named Stephen Aselage as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 16. Aselage was named to the Board on September 6. The company also announced that it is moving its headquarters from New York City to San Diego, CA, where it already has an office.
Aselage brings more than 30 years of pharmaceutical/biotechnology expertise to Retrophin. He joins the company from BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer. During his seven years with BioMarin, he built the commercial and medical affairs functions that launched three commercial products and developed commercial business in more than 45 countries.
“We welcome Steve’s global pharmaceutical experience across multiple disciplines, expertise in rare diseases, and leadership acumen to Retrophin,” said Martin Shkreli, President and Founder of Retrophin. “Steve shares my vision and passion for finding treatments to help people with rare, life-threatening diseases, which make him an ideal candidate for CEO. His experience in enabling patients access to critical medications around the globe is particularly useful, as we want to ensure that every patient who might benefit from our treatments has the opportunity to do so.”
“I’m excited to be leading the Retrophin team at a time when the company has so many opportunities for growth and promising treatments for rare diseases in the pipeline,” said Aselage. “I look forward to drawing from my experience in rare diseases as I work to contribute to Retrophin’s bright future.”
Aselage also held leadership roles with Cell Therapeutics, Sangstat Medical Corporation, Advanced Tissue Sciences and Genentech. He worked briefly for Genzyme, as well, assisting in the transition following its acquisition of Sangstat. Earlier in his career, he held a variety of sales and sales management positions at companies including Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals (now Sanofi-Aventis) and Bristol Laboratories. Aselage received his B.S. in Biology from the University of Notre Dame.
About Retrophin, LLC
Retrophin, LLC is a privately held biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing treatments for rare and life-threatening diseases. Retrophin is currently developing treatments for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and other catastrophic diseases. The company’s lead compound, RE-021, formerly known as DARA, is scheduled to begin enrollment in a Phase II clinical trial for FSGS in the near future. Retrophin's Series A financing was led by MSMB Capital and several current and former senior executives at global pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.