VALENCIA, Calif., Jan 07, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD), today announced that John Riesenberger has joined the company as Corporate Vice President and Chief Commercialization Officer. Mr. Riesenberger will report to Hakan Edstrom, President and Chief Operating Officer, and serve on MannKind's executive leadership team.

At MannKind, Mr. Riesenberger will lead the functional areas of marketing, sales, alliance management and business development, with an initial focus on maximizing the commercial success of the Company's Technosphere(R) Insulin System. Mr. Riesenberger joins MannKind from Shaw Science Partners, Inc. where he has been a principal and executive vice president since 2001, with responsibility for strategic planning, marketing, sales and client services. During 2000 - 2001, Mr. Riesenberger was President of Consilium Partners, Inc., a healthcare consultancy. From 1972 to 1999, he held key management positions at Pharmacia & Upjohn and at The Upjohn Company. Mr. Riesenberger holds a BS in Economics-Business and an MBA from Hofstra University.

"John is an experienced leader in sales and marketing management as well as strategic business planning. As such, he will play a critical role in MannKind's commercial strategy and implementation," said Hakan Edstrom. "We are thrilled to have him on the team."

About MannKind Corporation

MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD) focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic products for diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Its lead product, the Technosphere(R) Insulin System, is currently in phase 3 clinical trials in the United States, Europe and Latin America to study its safety and efficacy in the treatment of diabetes. For more information on MannKind Corporation and its technology, visit http://www.mannkindcorp.com.

SOURCE MannKind Corporation

http://www.mannkindcorp.com