Michael Sweeney appointed Depomed vp of product development

MENLO PARK, Calif. Depomed, a pharmaceutical company specializing in controlled release oral medications, announced that Michael Sweeney has joined the company as vice president of product development.

Sweeney will implement Depomed’s strategic plan for product development activities, from opportunity assessment through clinical trials and interactions with the Food and Drug Administration and oversee several key functional areas, including formulations, pharmacokinetics, pre-clinical, clinical development and regulatory affairs. He also will be responsible for the commercial medical affairs function at Depomed.

Depomed has two approved products on the market and other product candidates in its pipeline. GLUMETZA (metformin hydrochloride extended release tablets) is approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes and ProQuin XR (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride) is approved in the United States for the once-daily treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Product candidate Gabapentin GR is currently in clinical development for the treatment of two pain indications.

“Mike brings extensive experience in overall product strategy and commercialization planning and will be a strong addition to the Depomed leadership team,” stated Carl A. Pelzel, president and chief executive officer of Depomed. “Mike’s skills in the identification, evaluation and planning of product development will allow him to play a critically important role in advancing our progress toward additional commercialized products.” 

Sweeney has more than 19 years of experience in product development and marketing of pharmaceutical products. Before joining Depomed, he was vice president of medical affairs at cv therapeutics, where he built the medical affairs department to enable the commercial preparation and successful launch of Ranexa in 2006. Prior to CV Therapeutics, he spent 11 years at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in New York and the U.K.