Meet the Lung LLC Team

Martine Rothblatt, PhD, JD

President and CEO

Dr Martine Rothblatt started Lung LLC, as well as our parent company, United Therapeutics, in order to develop better therapies for orphan diseases such as PAH.

She earned her PhD in medical ethics from the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary College, University of London and also obtained JD and MBA degrees from the University of California at Los Angeles. Prior to entering the life sciences field, Dr Rothblatt was active in satellite communications, founding SIRIUS Satellite Radio and serving as its Chairman and CEO. She has also published many books, including Your Life or Mine: How Geoethics Can Resolve the Conflict Between Public and Private Interests in Xenotransplantation.

Larry H Somerville

Senior Vice President
Sales and Marketing

With over 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Larry Somerville has held leadership roles at Boehringer Mannheim, Genentech, KabiVitrum, and Burroughs Wellcome. He has global commercialization experience, including in Europe and Asia. Prior to joining Lung LLC, Mr Somerville was Vice President of Sales at Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., where he directed the commercialization activities for both the neuroscience and cardiovascular specialty sales teams. In his current position at Lung LLC, Mr Somerville leads commercial operations for marketed products, development compounds, and licensed opportunities.

Ted Staub

Head of Research and Development

In 2004, Ted Staub became the first full-time employee to join Lung LLC. Throughout his 20+ years in the industry, Mr Staub has held pharmaceutical development positions at companies such as Abbott and Merck. Before coming to Lung LLC, Mr Staub was Vice President of Global Clinical Operations for Aventis Pasteur, where he was responsible for the worldwide clinical development of all biologic products. Mr Staub's wealth of experience with product development and research is fundamental to his role at Lung LLC.

David Mottola, PhD

Executive Vice President
Research and Clinical Development

Dr David Mottola joined Lung LLC after 11 years as a key member of the senior management team at United Therapeutics Corporation (parent company of Lung LLC). At United Therapeutics, he held various management positions in clinical/nonclinical drug development, most recently as Senior Vice President of Global Quality, Training and Standards, and Preclinical Sciences. Dr Mottola earned a PhD in Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He has nearly 20 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including extensive experience with clinical pharmacology studies, phase 2-3 international clinical trials, supportive preclinical studies, and international regulatory strategy. Prior to working at United Therapeutics, Dr Mottola held positions of increasing responsibility at Burroughs Wellcome, Glaxo Wellcome, and Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals.

Jorge Diaz

Associate Vice President, Marketing

Jorge Diaz's pharmaceutical sales and marketing experience spans over 20 years. Before joining the Lung LLC Leadership Team, he served as Marketing Director at biotech start-up OSI Eyetech, where he led the launch of a breakthrough ophthalmology product in co-promotion with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Prior to this, he spent over 10 years at Schering-Plough Corporation, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Marketing responsible for the US strategic marketing of four oncology products. Drawing from his vast experience, Mr. Diaz helps Lung LLC stay one step ahead of competing companies.

Alex Rapadas

Director, Commercial Affairs

Preceding Lung LLC, Alex Rapadas spent 15 years with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, most recently in the role of Director of Sales Operations. At Lung LLC, Mr Rapadas provides support and services to the sales, marketing, medical and legal affairs, and human resources departments to maximize sales and marketing performance. Prior to his career in pharmaceuticals, Mr Rapadas attended the US Naval Academy and spent 5 years in the US Navy, finishing his naval career with the rank of Lieutenant.

Aimee Smart

Director, Global Regulatory Affairs

Prior to joining Lung LLC in 2008 as Director, Global Regulatory Affairs, Aimee Smart was Director of Regulatory Affairs for VIRxSYS Corporation, where she was responsible for the management of all regulatory activities for investigational products. Ms Smart brings with her over 8 years of experience working in regulatory affairs along with a wealth of knowledge in creating and implementing strategies with the goal of successful US and international regulatory filings. Ms Smart holds Regulatory Affairs Certification in both the US and the EU.