PLx Pharma supports Aspertec product with two key executive appointments

HOUSTON — PLx Pharma recently named Tom Long  VP manufacturing and technical operations, where he will oversee ongoing manufacturing efforts for Aspertec. In addition, PLx Pharma appointed Steven Valentino as VP trade sales, effective Oct. 1. He will be responsible for building retail trade accounts, developing retailer and wholesaler relationships for PLx and securing distribution and merchandising support.  

Concurrently Gary Mossman, COO, will transition into a senior advisory role. Mossman will continue to actively advise the company to ensure that appropriate manufacturing capacity is available for Aspertec through launch.



“Key for PLx is Tom Long’s experience in successfully manufacturing and launching OTC products with high demand and his experience with both New Drug Applications and OTC Monograph Drugs. Having his expertise on hand will strengthen and support the team as the requirements of our business expand," stated Natasha Giordano, president and CEO. "Steven Valentino will be instrumental in building trade sales for PLx and positioning Aspertec with retailers and wholesalers to maximize the launch potential and build retail equity. We are delighted to welcome them both to the PLx team.”



Most recently, Long has independently consulted in building manufacturing and technical operations for several manufacturers. Long served as SVP and general manager, manufacturing and operations, for Adams Respiratory Therapeutics, where he managed the overall supply of Mucinex, Mucinex DM and Mucinex D. For more than 17 years, he had various responsibilities including materials management, international manufacturing, process engineering, production planning, inventory control, materials control, quality engineering, as well as pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging.



Valentino is a highly-credentialed executive with more than 25 years of experience in the OTC and consumer healthcare space. His experience includes Rx to OTC switches, brand management, trade sales and operations and customer development across drug, mass, food and specialty. He has held positions of increasing responsibility at Warner Lambert Consumer Health, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies.   Most recently, Valentino served as VP Crossmark Drug, a division of Crossmark, where he was responsible for drug wholesale, dollar and retail merchandising for brand and private label products.