Singapore: Arthritis Foundation appointed Dr John Vernachio as vice president of research, effective April 15. In his new role he will provide leadership and direction to further the Arthritis Foundation research program and the organization's commitment to finding a cure and better, safer treatments for the nation's leading cause of disability.

Dr Vernachio will succeed Dr John Hardin , who will assume a new role within the organization developing and implementing flagship initiatives in osteoarthritis.

Dr Vernachio brings to the Arthritis Foundation extensive research leadership and expertise, serving as a researcher and technical director in the biotechnology sector for more than 20 years. Most recently, he served as vice president of biology for Inhibitex.

Earlier, he held supervisory and leadership roles in several biotechnology companies including Baxter Healthcare and Valentis.