Stamford, CT – January 20, 2009 -- We are pleased to announce the successful completion of an assignment to recruit an executive to lead business development and commercial operations for Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHN), New Haven, Connecticut. Mr. Joseph Truitt has joined the company as Vice President, Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer.

Achillion is a leader in the discovery and development of small molecule drugs to combat the most challenging infectious diseases. The company's proven discovery and development teams have advanced multiple product candidates with novel mechanisms of action. Its most advanced programs are in hepatitis, resistant bacterial infections and HIV. Mr. Truitt will be responsible for identifying, evaluating and executing corporate partnerships, strategic initiatives and new product opportunities.

Prior to joining Achillion, Mr. Truitt was with ViroPharma, Inc. since its acquisition of Lev Pharmaceuticals, Inc. As Vice President of Business Development and Product Strategy for Lev Pharmaceuticals, Inc., he directed the process for the acquisition of Lev by ViroPharma, Inc. Prior to this position, he served as Lev's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He led the build out of the commercial team and infrastructure in preparation for product launch. Mr. Truitt was awarded a B.S. by LaSalle University, Philadelphia, and an M.B.A. by St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia.

This executive search assignment was led by Mr. Michael N. Curran, managing partner of the firm. Curran Partners, Inc./ECI Group serves the executive search needs of clients in a variety of sectors, including life sciences.