Striking similarity

Vivus Inc. (NASDAQ:VVUS) has steadfastly opposed the director slate put forward by First Manhattan, but some of the biotech's recent board additions bear a striking similarity with those on the activist shareholder's wish list. The company's investor base will have the final say at the July 15 annual general meeting.

In recent weeks, Vivus has named Robert Wilson and Jorge Plutzky to its board. Wilson was former vice chairman of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). Plutzky is the director of the vascular disease prevention program at Brigham and Women's Hospital...