BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EPIRUS Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (EPIRUS), a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development and production of biosimilar products in and for major emerging markets, today announced the appointment of J. Kevin Buchi to its Board of Directors.
“We are very pleased to have someone with Kevin’s experience and background join our Board,” said Amit Munshi, CEO of EPIRUS. “His expertise and guidance will be invaluable in our quest to build a world-class company.”
Mr. Buchi is the former Chief Executive Officer of Cephalon Inc., which was sold to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Teva) in 2011. Mr. Buchi served as Corporate Vice President, Global Branded Products for Teva from 2011 until his retirement in 2012. Mr. Buchi joined Cephalon in 1991 and held various positions, including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, before becoming Cephalon’s CEO in December 2010. Mr. Buchi currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Forward Pharma A/S, a privately held biotechnology company in Copenhagen, Denmark. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of Stemline Therapeutics (NASDAQ: STML), Alexza Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALXA), and Benitec Biopharma (Australian Stock Exchange: BLT).
Mr. Buchi graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry and received a Master of Management degree from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
About EPIRUS Biopharmaceuticals
EPIRUS is focusing on the central development of a broad pipeline of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins, optimized for use within the SCALE™ disposable manufacturing system, and designed to be deployed in an “In Market, For Market” ™ manufacturing configuration.
SCALE is a modular state-of-the-art manufacturing process utilizing the latest in disposable technology. It is ideally suited for use as a localized In Market, For Market manufacturing solution designed to provide speed to market, low capital cost, campaign flexibility and utilization rates which can be tailored to local and or regional needs. This innovative product platform aims to enable localized manufacturing in emerging economies where EPIRUS is developing partnerships combining public and private sector financial support and expertise. EPIRUS is focusing on a range of emerging markets, including, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Russia, MENA, and the ASEAN markets.
EPIRUS envisions the creation of unprecedented patient access to biosimilar therapeutics through efficient global development and local production of these important medicines.