MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 6, 2018 /CNW/ - Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX: CPH) ("Cipher" or "the Company") today announced that pharmaceutical industry medical executive,  Dr. Diane Gajewczyk, has joined the Company in the position of Vice President, Scientific and Medical Affairs. Dr. Gajewczyk has more than 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in the research, clinical development and commercialization of pharmaceutical, biologics, vaccine and medical device products. 

Prior to joining Cipher, Dr. Gajewczyk held the position of Senior Director, Medical Affairs with Galderma Canada, where she was responsible for medical and regulatory strategy and was involved in the registration and launch of a number of products. Previously, Dr. Gajewczyk spent almost ten years at Biovail Corporation in several senior positions, including Senior Director, Medical & Scientific Affairs, leading the scientific aspects of corporate development transactions. Prior to focusing on medical and scientific affairs, she spent 12 years in pharmaceutical R&D at Sanofi Pasteur where she developed numerous patents and conducted IND-enabling studies for novel therapeutics.

"We are pleased to welcome Diane to the leadership team at Cipher," said Robert Tessarolo, President and CEO of Cipher. "Diane has a proven track record of medical affairs leadership and extensive background guiding products through the regulatory process with both Health Canada and the FDA across a broad range of therapeutic areas. She will be a valuable addition to the team as we bring our current products through to commercialization and continue to build a diversified portfolio."

"I'm excited to join Cipher at this important stage in the company's growth," added Dr. Gajewczyk. "Cipher has multiple late-stage assets that have very near-term commercial potential, and I look forward to helping to deliver on the key milestones for these products."

Dr. Gajewczyk obtained her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Toronto as well as her MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws.  Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements relating to: the anticipated strategic and/or financial benefits of the arrangement to Cipher; and anticipated regulatory approvals of products and the anticipated timing thereof.  Words such as "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "potential" and similar expressions may be used to identify these forward-looking statements although not all forward-looking statements contain such words.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including risks associated with acquisitions generally, such as: completion of the acquisition may be prove to be more costly than expected; the inability of Cipher to successfully integrate the acquired business and products; Cipher may not obtain anticipated regulatory approvals in respect of certain products or such approvals may take longer than anticipated; inability of Cipher to achieve the anticipated strategic and/or financial benefits from the acquisition or it may take longer than expected to achieve those benefits; and the risk of unexpected costs or liabilities relating to the acquisition.  Further, additional risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of Cipher's Annual Information Form and in Cipher's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operating Results and Financial Position for the year ended December 31, 2017 and/or for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and elsewhere in Ciphers's filings with Canadian securities regulators. 

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by this press release.  These factors should be considered carefully and reader should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, other than as required by law, Cipher does not intend to or assume any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Cipher (TSX:CPH) is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a robust and diversified portfolio of commercial and early to late-stage products. Cipher acquires products that fulfill unmet medical needs, manages the required clinical development and regulatory approval process, and markets those products either directly in Canada or indirectly through partners in Canada, the U.S., and South America. Cipher is focused on a three-pronged growth strategy – including acquisitions, in-licensing, and selective investments in drug development – to assemble a broad portfolio of prescription products that serve unmet medical needs. For more information, visit www.cipherpharma.com.

SOURCE Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.