Active Pass Pharmaceuticals, of Vancouver, British Columbia, promoted David MacDonald to president and chief operating officer, as well as a board member.

AVI BioPharma Inc., of Portland, Ore., added James Gourzis as a consultant to provide strategic direction and management of the company's regulatory and clinical development programs.

Cell Genesys Inc., of South San Francisco, added Dennis Winger to its board.

Cepheid Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif., said Cristina Kepner assumed the responsibility of chairman of the audit committee, replacing Gerald Casilli.

Predix Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Woburn, Mass., added Chen Schor as chief business officer.

Rib-X Pharmaceuticals Inc., of New Haven, Conn., added George Milne to its board.

Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc., of East Brunswick, N.J., appointed Alan Rubinfeld acting chief financial officer.

Sirna Therapeutics Inc., of Boulder, Colo., promoted Nassim Usman to senior vice president and chief operating officer; Barry Polisky to senior vice president, research; Chandra Vargeese to vice president, chemistry; Mark Egan to vice president, manufacturing; and Patti Ketchner to vice president and corporate controller.

SomaLogic Inc., of Boulder, Colo., named David Lawrence an adviser to its board.

Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., of South San Francisco, appointed Eric Bjerkholt senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Vela Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Lawrenceville, N.J., added George Clay to its scientific advisory board.

Velcura Therapeutics Inc., of Ann Arbor, Mich., added Julie Glowacki, John Lowe and Stratford May to its advisory board.