Aptalis Pharmaceutical Technologies, a business unit of Aptalis Pharma that develops differentiated products utilizing its oral delivery technologies, today announces that Nigel Ray has been named as the company’s Vice President of Global Licensing.

Reporting to John Fraher, President of Aptalis Pharma, Mr. Ray will lead the unit’s global licensing efforts as well as the identification and evaluation of strategic opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry that maximize the value of Aptalis’ technologies. Prior to joining Aptalis, during his twenty-five years in specialty pharmaceuticals, Mr. Ray held executive-level positions with companies including AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, DURECT Corporation and Alza Corporation. Mr. Ray holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration, Finance and Strategy from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

"Nigel’s rich experience in identifying, structuring and negotiating complex, worldwide product licensing transactions, as well as his business leadership skills, will serve Aptalis well," said Mr Fraher. "His leadership and experience in business development and marketing will enable the expansion of our technology partnerships while providing pharmaceutical companies with the drug delivery solutions they need to advance and protect product portfolios," added Mr Fraher.