PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 20, 2016 - Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PCRX) today announced the appointment of two key individuals who will assume leadership roles within the company’s commercial organization. Thomas Sluby has been named Vice President, Sales and Matthew Lehmann has been appointed Vice President, Marketing – Emerging Therapies; both individuals will report to Robert Weiland, Chief Commercial Officer.

Mr. Sluby is responsible for the coordination, management, and leadership of the Pacira sales organization, overseeing all aspects of sales execution and customer relations. Mr. Sluby will work closely with the commercial team on the development and implementation of sales and product strategies for EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension).

Mr. Lehmann will be responsible for the development, implementation, and execution of market strategies and tactics, initially focusing on the EXPAREL nerve block launch subsequent to approval. Pacira is currently enrolling two Phase 3 studies in lower and upper extremity nerve blocks. Mr. Lehmann will also oversee development of the marketing and sales approaches for future EXPAREL indications and the launch of additional products in the Pacira pipeline.

“We are excited to add Tom and Matt, two seasoned pharmaceutical executives with long track records of success building and executing on comprehensive commercialization strategies, to the Pacira leadership team,” said James Scibetta, President of Pacira. “We expect these key additions to the commercial side of our business to significantly contribute to the success of EXPAREL infiltration in the acute care marketplace, while positioning the company for future success, beginning with the planned launch of EXPAREL for nerve block.”

Mr. Sluby joins Pacira from inVentiv Health, where he served as National Business Director, responsible for overseeing the sales and performance management of three national sales forces. Prior to this position, Mr. Sluby served as Senior Vice President of Global Client Relations for Taconic BioSciences, where he led a global sales and marketing team. Mr. Sluby also held several management roles during a 15-year period at Eisai, Inc., including National Sales Director of Neurology, Gastroenterology and LTC/Hospital, where he drove revenue in therapeutic areas ranging from Alzheimer’s and acid reflux to epilepsy and low-molecular-weight heparin.

Prior to Pacira, Mr. Lehmann held various executive positions during a 21-year career at AstraZeneca, most recently as Head of the Neuroscience Franchise where he was responsible for the successful market build-out and launch of Movantik®. Mr. Lehmann also served as Executive Director, Commercial Leader for Seroquel XR® and Movantik, overseeing all commercial decisions covering healthcare professional, consumer, and managed markets marketing, as well as government affairs and pricing work.