A.P. Pharma, Inc. Says Begins Search for CEO Successor

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A.P. Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:APPA - News), a specialty pharmaceuticals company, today announced that its board of directors has initiated an executive succession program designed to recruit a well-qualified successor for Gregory Turnbull, the Company’s current President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Turnbull, a long-time director of the Company, assumed the CEO position in October 2006 when Michael O’Connell, the incumbent at that time, departed on medical leave. Mr. Turnbull plans to continue to serve as A.P. Pharma’s CEO until his successor is successfully engaged, at which time he will remain on the board and also continue to be a member of its recently formed executive committee.

The A.P. Pharma board has retained the services of Levin & Company, an executive search firm specializing in the life sciences field, to assist in the CEO recruitment. Christos Richards, President of Levin & Company, is leading the engagement.

About A.P. Pharma

A.P. Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals utilizing its proprietary polymer-based drug delivery systems. The Company’s primary focus is the development and commercialization of its bioerodible injectable and implantable systems under the trade name Biochronomer™. Initial target areas of application for the Company’s drug delivery technology include anti-nausea, pain management, anti-inflammation and DNA/RNAI applications. For further information visit the Company’s web site at www.appharma.com.

Contact: Company Contacts: A.P. Pharma, Inc. Gregory Turnbull President and Chief Executive Officer 650-366-2626 or Michael O’Connell Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer 650-366-2626 or Investor Relations Contacts: Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates Don Markley, 310-691-7100 dmarkley@lhai.com

Source: A.P. Pharma, Inc.