Arthritis Foundation Announces Appointment of John Vernachio As Vice President of Research

ATLANTA, April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Arthritis Foundation announces the appointment of John Vernachio, Ph.D. 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. Vernachio will succeed Dr. John Hardin, who will assume a new role within the organization developing and implementing flagship initiatives in osteoarthritis.

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"John Vernachio is a world-class scientist and director in biotechnology with a proven track record," says Arthritis Foundation Chief Mission Officer, Jennifer Griffiths, Ph.D.  "I am confident that under his leadership the Arthritis Foundation will continue its legacy in driving targeted research initiatives that will push us toward a cure."

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, Inc.  Earlier, he held supervisory and leadership roles in several biotechnology companies including Baxter Healthcare and Valentis, Inc.  In addition, he is an author on over 20 peer-reviewed scientific articles, numerous scientific presentations and is a co-inventor on 10 patent applications.

A graduate of the University of Vermont, Vernachio earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1984. He received a doctorate in biochemistry with a concentration in immunology and molecular biology in 1989 from Johns Hopkins University and completed his post-doctoral training in the Department of Immunology at The Research Institute of Scripps Clinic in San Diego in 1991.

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation's leading cause of disability.  The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious and painful disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest.  The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

SOURCE Arthritis Foundation

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