Whelan resigns as Ariad director

Oncology company Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ARIA) said in an SEC filing late Thursday that Robert Whelan resigned as director, effective Oct. 1. Whelan had served on Ariad's board since April 2010.

Ariad said that Whelan's replacement is not subject to approval by activist investor Alexander Denner, contradicting media reports. Denner joined Ariad's board in February under an agreement that a tenth board member be appointed with Denner's approval; however, according to the company, that agreement does not apply to Whelan's seat. ...