Newark, NJ, June 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rafael Pharmaceuticals Inc., a leader in the growing field of cancer metabolism-based therapeutics, has announced that Sanjeev Luther, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rafael, is a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 Award in New Jersey.

Mr. Luther’s passion for driving cancer research can be reflected in the success he has had at Rafael Pharmaceuticals. Under his leadership, Rafael has made significant progress towards strategy and clinical development, including two Phase 3 programs of its lead molecule CPI-613^® (devimistat) for patients with first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer and relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and several orphan designations. Mr. Luther also brings experience from leading Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies.

“I am honored to be nominated as a finalist for EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in New Jersey,” says Mr. Luther. “At Rafael Pharmaceuticals, our motto is ‘To Save A Life Is To Save A Universe,’ and that is what drives my passion to positively impact the lives of cancer patients and contribute to making advancements for future generations.”

Widely considered one of the most prestigious business awards programs in the United States, the EY Entrepreneur of The Year program recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment in their businesses and communities, while also transforming our world. Mr. Luther was selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 20 at the Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick.

Now in its 33^rd year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world. Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year national competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 17.

The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum^®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical stage company and a leader in the growing field of cancer metabolism-based therapeutics. Rafael’s primary objective is to develop and commercialize innovative, highly selective, well tolerated and highly effective anti-cancer agents by selectively targeting the altered metabolism in cancer cells. Rafael’s first-in-class clinical lead compound, CPI-613® (devimistat), is being evaluated in multiple ongoing/completed Phase I, II, and III clinical studies. CPI-613® (devimistat) has been granted orphan drug designation for the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL), Burkitt Lymphoma and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). Rafael Pharmaceuticals is an affiliate of Rafael Holdings, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: RFL). For more information, visit http://www.rafaelpharma.com/.