CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Neurovance, Inc., a pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for ADHD and other CNS disorders, today announced the appointment of Brian Goff to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer and to the Neurovance Board of Directors. Additionally, Executive Board Chairman, Jeff Bailey assumes the role of CEO, and Anthony McKinney is named Founder and Chief Development Officer, to further leverage his experience with CTN. Mr. McKinney will continue in his role as CEO of the Neurovance sister company, Euthymics.
Mr. Goff brings over 25 years of progressive leadership experience to Neurovance, including the launch and growth of brands across CNS and many other therapeutic areas. His appointment comes as Neurovance prepares for late-stage trials for its lead product-candidate centanafadine (CTN) a non-stimulant in advanced development for ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
“Brian Goff is an exceptional addition to Neurovance as centanafadine heads into Phase 3 clinical trials anticipated early in 2017,” said CEO and Board Chairman Jeff Bailey. “Brian has the background and experience to take CTN into advanced clinical trials and beyond.”
Mr. Goff added, “I am excited to join Neurovance to continue the momentum we have seen to-date for CTN. We will use the positive results from the recent Phase 2b clinical trial to support an FDA regulatory package. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my objective to continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients who need new therapeutic options.”
CTN is among the first of a new generation triple reuptake inhibitors that modulate the activity of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in a specific ratio, and is now in advanced development for ADHD. In clinical trials CTN has demonstrated an efficacy profile approaching that of stimulants. However, CTN is a non-stimulant and human trial results suggest the potential for tolerability benefits and less risk of abuse. Mr. Bailey has previously stated, “If approved, CTN has the potential to be the go-to drug for payers and doctors.”
Mr. Goff previously was President of the Hematology Division of Baxalta (a 2015 spin-out of Baxter Healthcare). During Mr. Goff’s leadership in that position, he generated significant growth of the hemophilia business and led the launch of several key rare disease products. Prior to joining Baxter in 2012, Mr. Goff was Vice President and Head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals’ multi-billion-dollar Primary Care business. Previously at Novartis’ Swiss headquarters, he led the global marketing of their flagship cardiovascular brand, and he spent 14 years in a variety of commercial leadership positions at Johnson & Johnson – including 10 years in CNS disorders.
Mr. Goff has a BA in Economics from Skidmore College and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.
About ADHD:
ADHD is unique among the mature US pharmaceutical markets with $12 billion in annual sales with overall prescriptions growing at 6%, which demonstrates the strong underlying demand for ADHD treatments. According to IMS, in 2015 approximately 67 million prescriptions were written for ADHD with 37 million prescriptions written for adults and 30 million written for children and adolescents. Adults are the fastest growing segment with prescriptions growing at an estimated rate of 9% per year. Over 90% of ADHD prescriptions are for stimulants such as amphetamines (mixed amphetamine salts, d-amphetamine or lisdexamfetamine) or methylphenidates, which, though effective, can have major side effects and potential for abuse and diversion.
About Neurovance, Inc.
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, Neurovance is a clinical stage neuroscience-focused company. Hypothesis-driven, proprietary research at Neurovance discovered and developed centanafadine (CTN), a triple reuptake inhibitor that represents a novel approach to help adults and children with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – a $12 billion dollar US market. Neurovance is funded in a venture capital investment by Novartis Venture Fund, Venture Investors, Tekla Capital Management, GBS Venture Partners, State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) and Timothy J. Barberich.
