SAN DIEGO, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMLN) announced today that Vincent P. Mihalik has been appointed Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing and Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Mihalik brings more than 30 years of experience across multiple commercial roles, including global product development, sales and sales management, product launches and brand management. His career has focused on diabetes, with numerous leadership roles at leading pharmaceutical companies.

Before joining Amylin, Mr. Mihalik was Vice President of Global Brand Development Diabetes and Endocrine Platform Team Leader at Eli Lilly and Company, where he managed the second largest therapeutic area for the company and was responsible for product development beyond Phase 2b to launch for lifecycle planning and commercialization. Previously, Mr. Mihalik was Business Unit Head of Diabetes Care for Lilly U.S., where he was responsible for the launch, sales and marketing for Actos(R) (pioglitazone), insulin injection pens (Humulin(R), Humalog(R)) and the preparation for the launch of Cialis(R) (tadalafil) in the U.S.

Mr. Mihalik has extensive previous experience in diabetes and has a successful track record in leadership at a number of companies focused on improving care for patients. These include: Roche Diagnostics Corporation (Senior Vice President and General Manager for Lab Systems and Molecular Biochemicals), Boehringer Mannheim Group (Executive Vice President of Human Resources for BM Global and President Diabetes Care North America) and Baxter Healthcare (President Scientific Products Biomedical and General Manager, Pandex Diagnostic Research and Development Center).

"Vince brings extensive sales and marketing expertise in the area of diabetes, and has a proven track record for increasing sales and profits. He is a seasoned professional who has successfully managed multiple new product launches," said Daniel M. Bradbury, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amylin Pharmaceuticals. "Vince will add significant value to Amylin as we look to grow BYETTA and SYMLIN revenue and finalize our commercial plans for exenatide once weekly. As an integral part of our executive committee, we look forward to the strategic contributions Vince will make, as well as the fresh perspective he will bring during this exciting time."

Mr. Mihalik will oversee marketing and sales for Amylin's two marketed products, BYETTA(R) (exenatide) injection and SYMLIN(R) (pramlintide acetate) injection, as well as the launch and commercialization of exenatide once weekly, Amylin's lead development compound. He will become a member of Amylin's executive committee.

About Amylin Pharmaceuticals

Amylin Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving lives through the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines. Amylin has developed and gained approval for two first- in-class medicines for diabetes, SYMLIN(R) (pramlintide acetate) injection and BYETTA(R) (exenatide) injection. Amylin's research and development activities leverage the Company's expertise in metabolism to develop potential therapies to treat diabetes and obesity. Amylin is headquartered in San Diego, California. Further information on Amylin Pharmaceuticals is available at http://www.amylin.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements about Amylin. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including risks that BYETTA and SYMLIN, and the revenues we generate from these products, may be affected by competition, unexpected new data, technical issues, or manufacturing and supply issues; and risks that our NDAs for product candidates, such as exenatide once weekly, may not be submitted timely or receive FDA approval. These and other risks are more fully described in the Company's recently filed Form 10-Q. Amylin disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.