Anika Therapeutics, Inc. announced that Cheryl R. Blanchard, Ph.D., has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 26, 2020. Dr. Blanchard has served as interim Chief Executive Officer of Anika since February 2020 and as a member of the Company's Board of Directors since August 2018. Dr. Blanchard has more than 25 years of executive management experience with deep expertise in orthopedic medical devices, regenerative medicine and drug delivery.

Prior to joining Anika, Dr. Blanchard served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Microchips Biotech, Inc. from 2014 until its sale to Daré Bioscience, Inc. in November 2019. From 2000 to 2012, she served in various officer positions of Zimmer, Inc. (now Zimmer Biomet), including as the Senior Vice President, Corporate Chief Scientific Officer and General Manager of its Biologics Business. She was also a member of Zimmer's executive committee and founded, built and led Zimmer's Joint Preservation/Regenerative Medicine business.

Dr. Blanchard is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.