South Rampart Pharma Welcomes Ochsner's CEO Pete November to Its Board Amid Strategic Growth

In a significant move for both South Rampart Pharma, Inc. and the broader healthcare landscape, Pete November, the CEO of Ochsner Health, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for South Rampart. This strategic appointment aligns with Ochsner Health's recent investment in South Rampart's Series A financing, which aims to advance the clinical development of SRP-001, the company’s promising non-opioid analgesic candidate.

Ochsner Health’s commitment to supporting South Rampart marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of innovative pain management solutions. With Pete November's extensive experience in healthcare leadership, his addition to South Rampart's Board is expected to bolster the company’s strategic efforts in delivering safer, non-opioid pain treatments. This appointment comes at a time when non-opioid therapeutics are gaining increasing attention due to the challenges posed by opioid dependency and the opioid crisis affecting millions.

Mr. November expressed his enthusiasm regarding this new role, stating, “Having supported South Rampart from its inception as an investor, I’m thrilled to join at such an important juncture. The company’s innovative approach to alleviating pain aligns with Ochsner Health’s mission to provide safer and more effective healthcare solutions. I am eager to contribute to its growth and success as we tackle opioid dependency and improve patient health outcomes.”

As a recognized leader in healthcare innovation, Ochsner Health has consistently been ranked among the top healthcare systems in the United States. This brings immense value to South Rampart, given Mr. November's track record of fostering innovation and driving partnerships within the healthcare sector. His experience at Ochsner Health, which operates as Louisiana's largest not-for-profit academic health system, highlights his strategic prowess in managing healthcare operations and investments effectively.

Hernan Bazan, MD, FACS, Co-Founder and CEO of South Rampart, noted, “The wealth of experience Mr. November brings will be instrumental as we prepare SRP-001 for late-stage clinical development and its future commercialization. His leadership not only enhances our executive team but also underscores our commitment to addressing the critical and unmet needs for safe, effective non-opioid therapies for pain.”

Notably, SRP-001 has already received FDA Fast Track designation for the treatment of acute pain, indicating its potential impact on the medical community. The upcoming Phase 2 randomized clinical trial is anticipated to deliver essential proof-of-concept results within the next year, positioning SRP-001 as a revolutionary solution in the rapidly evolving market for pain management, which is projected to grow significantly.

Pain management, particularly acute and chronic pain, presents substantial challenges globally. While opioid treatments exist, they are often accompanied by severe side effects and risks of dependency. Currently, the opioid crisis fuels concerns about misuse and addiction; approximately 8.7 million Americans misuse prescription opioids annually. In contrast, South Rampart's SRP-001 aims to offer a novel approach, leveraging innovative mechanisms that mitigate the risks associated with traditional pain medications.

The societal and economic impact of unmanaged pain is staggering, costing the United States over $635 billion annually in healthcare expenses and affecting millions globally. South Rampart Pharma's mission to develop safer pain management solutions is both timely and crucial for numerous patients facing the challenges of pain and opioid alternatives.

In conclusion, the collaboration between South Rampart Pharma and Ochsner Health, led by the appointment of Pete November, represents a forward-thinking step toward revolutionizing pain management therapies. As they navigate through the clinical development phases of SRP-001, their combined efforts could set a new standard in the treatment of pain, alleviating suffering while contributing positively to the healthcare system at large.