CoCensys Shakes Up Management

CoCensys Inc.’s top research executive lost his job in a management shake-up as the pharmaceutical firm’s recently hired chief executive, F. Richard Nichol, moved to make his mark on the Irvine-based company. He also eliminated four other positions, including that of vice president of research and development, held by David A. H. Lee. Analysts noted that slow progress in clinical tests has dogged CoCensys’ efforts to develop drugs to treat brain disorders--a problem that has jeopardized the financially shaky firm. Lee replaced retired Chief Executive Daniel L. Korpolinski in January. CoCensys also fired its human resources manager and three employees in its research and clinical areas. Its shares closed down 12.5 cents at $3.875 on Nasdaq.