Peregrine CEO Takes Leave of Absence

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Tustin biopharmaceutical company, said Friday that John Bonfiglio, its chief executive and president, has taken a leave of absence for an unspecified length of time. The company said in a news release that director Edward J. Legere was appointed as interim chief executive and president. Executives could not be reached for comment. Bonfiglio joined Techniclone Corp., as Peregrine was then known, in 1997 as a vice president. He became interim president in November 1999 after three top executives resigned, and was named to the top positions six months later. The company, which develops cancer treatments, has lost more than $83 million since 1997. Peregrine stock closed Friday at $1.78, down 6 cents in Nasdaq trading.