SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.—Biopharmaceutical company Anesiva Inc. said Monday that Michael L. Kranda has been named president and chief executive, succeeding current CEO John P. McLaughlin.
Anesiva said McLaughlin stepped down "to pursue other business interests," but will remain a consultant to the company.
Kranda will also fill McLaughlin's seat on Anesiva's board.
"Michael is the ideal person to lead Anesiva as it transitions from a drug development company to a commercially focused enterprise," said Anesiva Chairman Rodney A. Ferguson.
Kranda was most recently managing director for biotechnology and life science investments at Vulcan Inc., the investment company founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Before that, he was CEO of Oxford GlycoSciences, a biopharmaceutical company. He has also served as president and chief operating officer of Immunex Corp., which is now owned by Amgen Inc.
Anesiva shares gained 5 cents to close at $3.33.
