SAN DIEGO, CALIF., Jan. 6, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evofem, Inc. announced today that Brandi Howard has been named Vice President of Global Medical Affairs and Nicole Beckstrand has been named Vice President of Public Relations & Communications, effective immediately. Howard will manage all global medical affairs initiatives and reports to Evofem Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kelly Culwell. Beckstrand is responsible for internal and external communication and public relations strategy for the company, and reports to Evofem CEO, Saundra Pelletier.
"Brandi's and Nicole's extensive industry experience offers a unique blend of skills that will be an asset for Evofem as we continue to grow and deliver on our mission to develop reliable, safe, and convenient reproductive care for women worldwide," said Pelletier. "I am pleased to add two highly qualified women with strong track records of success, extensive experience and industry knowledge to our team."
Prior to joining Evofem, Howard was the Senior Director and Head of U.S. Field Medical Affairs at Teva Pharmaceuticals, leading teams across eight therapeutic areas and managed care. She has held medical affairs roles in the United States and globally, and has led numerous medical launch teams for various women's health products. Howard earned her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania where her area of research focused on adolescent sexual risk behaviors and contraceptive use. She has published widely in journals, including Contraception and Fertility & Sterility.
Beckstrand brings more than 17 years of communications expertise in the health care, science and technology industries to Evofem. Prior to joining Evofem, Beckstrand was the Vice President of Integrated Communications for Millennium Health where she led national campaigns to raise awareness about prescription drug underuse, misuse and abuse. Before Millennium, she was the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the California Healthcare Institute (now known as California Life Sciences Association), a member organization advocating on behalf of the life sciences industry in California. Before joining CHI, Beckstrand was the Manager of Public Relations for Biosite (now Alere), a publicly traded diagnostics firm, where she oversaw communications and supported product launches in the U.S. and abroad. Beckstrand earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of California, San Diego.
About Evofem
Evofem, Inc. is a late stage biotechnology company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Evofem Holdings, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, which focuses on the development and commercialization of women's reproductive health products, with a core focus on contraception.
Evofem Holdings, Inc. seeks to address a growing global contraceptive market, while delivering effective, woman-controlled products with global distribution. Evofem Holdings, Inc. has two lead product candidates: Amphora, a non-hormonal contraceptive gel, and the Nestorone Ring, a one-year contraceptive vaginal ring, both of which have completed Phase III clinical studies.
For further information on the Company, please visit: www.evofem.com
Media Inquiries
Nicole Beckstrand
NBeckstrand@evofem.com
858.550.1900 ext.250