Vivus Inc's largest shareholder First Manhattan Co said it proposed a former senior executive of AstraZeneca Plc as chief executive of the obesity drug maker, a move that could swing shareholder support for the activist investor's board slate ahead of a proxy vote. Anthony Zook, who was executive vice-president for global commercial operations at AstraZeneca until February, helped in launch some of the British drug giant's biggest products, including the blockbuster heartburn drug Nexium and cholesterol medicine Crestor.First Manhattan, owner of 9.9 percent of Vivus shares, has repeatedly criticized the drug maker for mishandling the launch of its obesity drug Qsymia.First Manhattan put forth a slate of nine candidates that it hopes will win seats on the Vivus board at the shareholder meeting on July 15.
AstraZeneca PLC (AstraZeneca) is a global biopharmaceutical company. Shares of AZN remained unchanged at $47.87. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $44.17 and as high as $53.45. On average, 1976680 shares of AZN exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 0.
VIVUS, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company. It commercializes and develops therapies to address unmet needs in obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes and sexual health. Shares of VVUS remained unchanged at $12.41. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $9.86 and as high as $31.21. On average, 2327200 shares of VVUS exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 0.
Source
