Ardea Biosciences Inc., of Carlsbad, Calif., appointed former Valeant Pharmaceuticals International employees Robert Hamatake vice president, discovery biology; Li-Tain Yeh vice president, preclinical development; Jean-Michel Vernier senior director, discovery chemistry; Jean-Luc Girardet senior director, discovery logistics; and Jingfan Huang senior director, pharmaceutical development.

Advanced Cell Technology Inc., of Alameda, Calif., named Pedro Huertas chief development officer.

ALSP Inc., of San Diego, brought on Michael Pierschbacher as president and CEO. Former CEO Steve Richieri will retain his position as chairman.

Anthera Pharmaceuticals Inc., of San Mateo, Calif., appointed David Waters, Robert Rosenson and Stephen Nicholls to its cardiovascular clinical advisory board

ARYx Therapeutics, of Fremont, Calif., named Daniel Canafax as its new chief development officer.

Avanir Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Aliso Viejo, Calif., hired Martin Sturgeon as vice president and chief accounting officer.

Avicena Group Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif., appointed Uri Sagman to its board.

BioLife Solutions Inc., of Owego, N.Y., appointed Andrew Hinson as a director.

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., of Hercules, Calif., appointed Louis Drapeau to its board.

Biotechnology Industry Organization, of Washington, elected Pfizer Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Kindler to BIO's board.

Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., appointed Richard Rawson to its scientific advisory board.

ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals Ltd., of Melbourne, Australia, appointed Daniel Janney and Geoff Brooke non-executive directors.