COLUMBIA, Md., Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSIR) today announced that it has appointed R. Alberto Avendano, M.D., as the Company’s Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Avendano brings to Osiris his expertise in medical education and communication, academic and industry clinical research, pharmacovigilance and regulatory affairs. In his role as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Avendano will manage and oversee the continued growth of the Company’s Medical Affairs and Clinical Operations, act as the Company’s medical spokesperson, and participate in development of clinical programs for the Company’s products and technologies.

“Alberto brings a wealth of managerial and life sciences expertise to Osiris during an important time in our company’s growth,” said David A. Dresner, Interim CEO of Osiris. “Alberto will bridge our research and development team to our marketing team, furthering our commitment to help patients both today and into the future, as we continue to launch innovative therapies into the regenerative medicine space.”

Dr. Avendano received his license to practice medicine almost 30 years ago. From June 2013 until joining Osiris, Dr. Avendano served as the Medical Director for Indivior Inc. (previously Reckitt Benckisser Pharmaceuticals). Prior to joining Indivior, Dr. Avendano served in a variety of medical director and research positions, most recently as Associate Medical Director at EMD Serono, Inc.

Osiris welcomes Dr. Avendano as the newest member of the team.

About Osiris Therapeutics

Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, is a world leader in researching, developing and marketing regenerative medicine products that improve health and lives of patients and lower overall healthcare costs. Having developed the world's first approved stem cell drug, the company continues to advance its research and development in biotechnology by focusing on innovation in regenerative medicine - including bioengineering, stem cell research and viable tissue based products. Osiris has achieved commercial success with products in orthopaedics, sports medicine and wound care, including BIO⁴®, Cartiform®, Grafix® , TruSkin^TM and Stravix^TM. Osiris, Grafix, and Cartiform are registered trademarks of Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.; TruSkin and Stravix are trademarks of Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. BIO⁴® is a trademark of Howmedica Osteonics Corp. More information can be found on the company's website,www.Osiris.com. (OSIR-G).