Sophiris Bio, Inc. announced the appointment of Randall E. Woods as Chief Executive Officer effective August 16, 2012. Mr. Woods brings almost 40 years of relevant industry experience to Sophiris, including past roles as CEO at Sequel Pharmaceuticals, NovaCardia Inc., and Corvas International. Mr. Woods takes the helm as Sophiris prepares to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 trial for its lead compound, PRX302, a highly targeted treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Mr. Woods' appointment is the final step of an operational realignment that began in 2011, led by Executive Chairman and President Lars Ekman, M.D., Ph.D., to focus on the development of PRX302 for BPH. Since relocating to San Diego, Sophiris has recruited a management team that has achieved more than twenty drug approvals, including blockbuster pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining Sophiris, Mr. Woods was President and CEO of Sequel Pharmaceuticals.