RDD Pharma, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapies for anorectal diseases and gastrointestinal disorders, today announced the appointment of industry veteran John Temperato as Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining RDD, John held various leadership roles including most notably U.S. President & Chief Operating Officer with Atlantic Healthcare, President & Chief Operating Officer/Chief Commercial Officer with Melinta Therapeutics, and Senior Vice President of Sales and Managed Markets with Salix Pharmaceuticals.

Mr. Temperato brings a wealth of gastrointestinal (GI) focused experience in both the operational and commercial aspects of the business. Notably, at Salix Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Temperato played a critical role in the successful commercialization and growth of their broad GI portfolio and executed over ten launches during his tenure at the company driving growth of company revenues from $119 million in 2004 to $2 billion in 2015.

"John's GI-focused background and strong track record of building businesses behind successful product launches, as well as his extensive involvement in business development transactions, fits perfectly with the plans we have to grow RDD into a significant GI franchise," commented Dr. Mark A. Sirgo, Chairman of the Board of RDD.

John Temperato, Chief Executive Officer at RDD Pharma added, "I am thrilled to be joining RDD and look forward to working with our Board and experienced team to successfully develop and subsequently commercialize our exciting product pipeline to improve the lives of patients suffering from a variety of debilitating GI disorders including fecal incontinence, where few therapeutic options exists."

Dr. Nissim Darvish, Director of RDD's Board and Senior Managing Director, Orbimed stated, "John's appointment as CEO is a significant step forward for RDD. His broad industry experience and expansive knowledge of the GI space make him the ideal choice to lead RDD forward."

Across his career, John has been instrumental in defining and executing capital efficient go-to-market strategies, business development strategy and overseeing the commercialization and life-cycle management for small molecules, devices, and biologics. He built and directed several new sales divisions and developed strategies for reimbursement and external healthcare policy. John also brings with him extensive financial strategy and investor relations experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT.

About RDD Pharma

RDD Pharma is a privately held specialty pharma company focused on development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for anorectal diseases and lower-gastrointestinal tract disorders. The company has two clinical stage products which serve significant unmet needs. RDD-0315 is currently in Phase 2 development for the treatment of fecal incontinence in spinal cord injury patients. RDD-0315 has received Orphan Drug status in the E.U. and Fast Track designation in the U.S. RDD-1609 is being developed for the treatment of Pruritus Ani. RDD Pharma is also exploring other potential therapies for anorectal and lower gastrointestinal disorders for future clinical development. For more information, please visit www.rddpharma.com.