RADNOR, Pa., Sept. 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:MRNS), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders, today announced the appointment of Seth H.Z. Fischer to its Board of Directors.

“Seth brings over 30 years of pharmaceutical operations and commercialization experience,” stated Christopher M. Cashman, chairman and chief executive officer of Marinus Pharmaceuticals. “Seth has successfully advanced and commercialized a wide range of therapeutics, including Topamax® in epilepsy and migraines. We will look to leverage his significant knowledge as we advance ganaxolone in status epilepticus and rare pediatric genetic indications. I join my fellow Board members in welcoming Seth to our Board of Directors.”

Mr. Fischer is presently CEO and Director of VIVUS, Inc., a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company commercializing and developing innovative, next-generation therapies to address unmet needs in obesity and sexual health. Prior to VIVUS, Mr. Fischer served in various positions at Johnson & Johnson, most recently as Company Group Chairman, Johnson & Johnson and Worldwide Franchise Chairman of Cordis Corporation. Prior to that he served as Company Group Chairman, North America Pharmaceuticals, which included responsibilities for Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Janssen and Scios and prior to that, Mr. Fischer served as President of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals.

“Ganaxolone is a promising CNS-selective GABA_A modulator that has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients diagnosed with difficult-to-treat epileptic conditions, especially those suffering from rare diseases with limited treatment options,” commented Mr. Fischer. “I look forward to joining the other Board members in providing guidance to the Marinus executive team as the company continues to advance their oral and IV formulations of ganaxolone through clinical trials and to commercialization.”

In addition to the commercialization of Topamax (topiramate) for epilepsy and migraines, Mr. Fischer’s operating responsibilities at Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries encompassed the commercialization of products in the neurologic, analgesic, anti-infective, cardiovascular, psychiatric and women’s health areas. He is a member of the Boards of Directors of Agile Therapeutics, Inc. and BioSig Technologies, Inc., and an advisor to MedHab, LLC. Mr. Fischer earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Ohio University and served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force.

Mr. Fischer will fill the board seat previously held by Anand Mehra, M.D. of Sofinnova Ventures, who has served as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since 2007 and has stepped down from his role as a director of Marinus Pharmaceuticals in order to devote his full time and efforts to other commitments.

“I would like to thank Dr. Mehra for his nearly decade of service and many valuable contributions during his tenure as a board member,” commented Mr. Cashman. “We wish him continued personal and career success in his future endeavors.”

About Marinus Pharmaceuticals

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of ganaxolone, which offers a new mechanism of action, demonstrated efficacy and safety and convenient dosing, to improve the lives of patients suffering from epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders. Ganaxolone is a CNS-selective GABA_A modulator that acts on a well-characterized target in the brain known to have both anti-seizure and anti-anxiety effects. Ganaxolone is being developed in three different dose forms (IV, capsule and liquid) intended to maximize therapeutic reach to adult and pediatric patient populations in both acute and chronic care settings. Ganaxolone IV is in a Phase 1 clinical trial to treat status epilepticus. Ganaxolone IV is complemented by its oral dose forms, providing the potential for IV-to-oral continuation therapy for patients transitioning from acute care to outpatient settings. Ganaxolone capsule and liquid is being studied in orphan pediatric indications with comorbidities in seizures and behavior disorders – PCDH19, CDKL5, and Fragile X Syndrome. For more information visit www.marinuspharma.com.