Amarantus BioSciences has named Mark J. Benedyk, PhD, strategic advisor effective immediately. In this role, he will support the company with strategy and business development issues.

Benedyk is currently a managing partner at Rila Partners, a business and corporate development consultancy he founded earlier in his career. Previously he was head of The Pfizer Incubator (TPI).

“Mark’s experience and success as a business development executive will add valuable insight to our team at Amarantus as we look to expand our development of MANF for Parkinson’s Disease and evaluate additional opportunities to grow the company,” said Gerald Commissiong, president and CEO of Amarantus.