Veteran Pharmaceutical Executive Joins UrgentRx® Board of Directors
Denver, CO (PRWEB) July 01, 2013 -- UrgentRx, developer of fast acting over-the-counter flavored powder medications, today announced Michael Valentino will join the company's Board of Directors. Valentino brings more than 30 years of leadership experience at both major pharmaceutical companies and venture-backed start-ups. His most recent commercial responsibility was with Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as President and Chief Executive Officer, following an initial role as a member of its Board.
Prior to joining Xanodyne, Valentino successfully built start-up Adams Respiratory Therapeutics into a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical company with nearly $500 million in annual revenue and leading OTC brands such as Mucinex® and Delsym®. Under his leadership, Adams completed its initial public offering in July 2005, which was ranked by The Wall Street Journal as the No. 1 Health Care IPO in 2005, and in December 2007, the Company entered into a definitive agreement under which it would be acquired by Reckitt Benckiser, a world leader in household cleaning, health and personal care, for approximately $2.3 billion.
Valentino also served in executive roles at Alpharma, a leading global generic pharmaceutical company, Novartis AG, Novartis Consumer Healthcare, North America and Novartis Nutrition Corporation. Mr. Valentino was also President of Pharmacia & Upjohn’s Consumer Products Division and previously spent 12 years at Warner Lambert in a variety of senior level roles.
“Mr. Valentino is going to make an extraordinary addition to our already very strong board,” said Jordan Eisenberg, president and founder of Denver-based UrgentRx. “Mike’s leadership, vision and ability to succeed within the OTC and pharmaceutical world make him a great fit for UrgentRx. This is an exciting time for us and we are honored to have a person of his caliber join our team.”
“I’m impressed by the way UrgentRx is looking to disrupt the OTC category and thrilled to be a part of a company that sees beyond the status quo of the OTC aisle. The company is looking at innovative ways to reach the consumer both in and outside the traditional retail space which is very exciting,” said Mike Valentino.
UrgentRx sells six flavored powder medications in credit card size packs for on-the-go use: Aspirin to Go™, Headache Relief to Go™, Heartburn Relief to Go™, Upset Stomach Relief to Go™, Ache & Pain Relief to Go™ and Allergy Attack Relief to Go™. Currently distributed at 2,500 retailers, the company’s goal is to reach 20,000+ stores by the end of 2013.
In April, UrgentRx closed an additional $2.5 million in Series B funding, led by current investors as well as attracting new capital. New investors in the round include billionaires Sam Zell (Chicago financier and real estate developer), David Bonderman (founder of private equity giant Texas Pacific Group) and Herb Simon (real estate magnate and founder of Simon Properties), along with two-time Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank. The additional funding brings the company’s total funding to date to more than $7 million.
About UrgentRx
UrgentRx is a line of fast-acting, portable OTC medications providing right now relief for today’s busy, on-the-go consumer. UrgentRx® Fast Powders™, come in an innovative, fast-acting flavored powder format available in convenient, single-dose, credit card-sized packets for easier portability and accessibility. The flavored powders can be taken without water, providing immediate relief whenever and wherever needed. Initially developed for heart attack victims, UrgentRx currently produces medications for everyday ailments such as allergy attacks, headaches, aches and pains, heartburn, and upset stomach. Based in Denver, Colorado, UrgentRx was founded by entrepreneur Jordan Eisenberg in 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.urgentRx.com.
Jenna Steele, 720.933.4957, [email protected]
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