NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Parsippany, N.J., appointed Francois Nader chief medical and commercial officer.

Nucryst Pharmaceuticals, of Wakefield, Mass., appointed David Poorvin to its board, and Katherine Turner vice president of research.

Nuvelo Inc., of San Carlos, Calif., appointed James Gavin to its board.

Onconova Therapeutics Inc., of Lawrenceville, N.J., appointed Michael Hoffman chairman.

Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Emeryville, Calif., appointed Laura Brege executive vice president and chief business officer.

Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc., of San Diego, appointed John Prunty chief financial officer and vice president of finance.

Orexigen Therapeutics Inc., of San Diego, appointed Graham Cooper chief financial officer.

Orion Genomics, of St. Louis, said its scientific co-founder, Rob Martienssen, was appointed a fellow of the Royal Society of London.

Oxigene Inc., of Waltham, Mass., appointed Peter Harris chief medical officer.

Par Pharmaceutical Companies Inc., of Spring Valley, N.Y., appointed Patrick LePore to its board.

Penwest Pharmaceuticals Co., of Danbury, Conn., appointed Jennifer Good CEO and a member of its board.

Plasticell Ltd., of London, appointed Christopher Adam to its board.

ProMetic Life Sciences Inc., of Montreal, appointed Mark Bandrauk general counsel and corporate secretary.