BioCentury
ARTICLE | Company News

Ariad adds Denner to board

February 22, 2014 1:46 AM UTC

Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ARIA) appointed Alex Denner a director for a two-year term. According to SEC filings, hedge fund Sarissa Capital Management -- which Denner founded in 2012 after he stepped down as managing director of entities associated with Carl Icahn -- has a 6.5% stake in Ariad. The company's board now comprises nine directors; Ariad said it also plans to appoint another director. Denner's appointment comes amidst rumors that several pharmas have made "friendly approaches" to acquire Ariad (see BioCentury Extra, Jan. 23).

Last month, Ariad relaunched Iclusig ponatinib in the U.S. after FDA approved a REMS and a revised label limiting use of the leukemia drug. The company had suspended U.S. marketing and distribution of the drug in late October at FDA's request due to the risk of arterial thrombotic events, which were observed in patients treated with the drug. Ariad also markets the leukemia drug in Europe (see BioCentury Extra, Dec. 20, 2013). ...