Peter P. McCann, former president of an Annapolis-based biotechnology firm, has been named interim president of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, officials announced yesterday.

McCann, 54, had been president since 1994 of British Biotech Inc., a subsidiary of a British pharmaceutical firm of the same name.

He will supervise the institute, a research arm of the University System of Maryland, until a permanent successor to Rita C. Colwell is hired. Colwell, the founding president, left the institute this year after President Clinton nominated her to direct the National Science Foundation.

McCann will be paid $180,000 a year. The institute has four centers, including one at the Columbus Center in Baltimore.

Pub Date: 7/28/98