Mr Mahaffy brings significant biotechnology and pharmaceutical executive management experience. Mr Mahaffy was the founder of Pharmion and served as its president and CEO from its inception through its acquisition eight years later.
Mr Mahaffy has received a BA from Lewis and Clark College and an MA from Columbia School of International Affairs.
Eckard Weber, executive chairman and interim president and CEO of Orexigen, said: “Patrick has a proven track record in successfully managing all facets of drug development and commercialization, and his experience will be incredibly valuable as we complete the Phase III program for Contrave, our lead obesity product candidate.”