ROCHE's RESEARCH CHIEF IS RONALD KUNTZMAN, PhD

ROCHE's RESEARCH CHIEF IS RONALD KUNTZMAN, PhD, who took over the top scientist job on Oct. 15 upon the retirement of John Burns, PhD. Kuntzman, 51, began with Roche in 1970 as associate director of biochemistry and drug metabolism, and has held a series of top research positions with the company. In 1979 he became director of pharmaceutical research and development and in 1981 he was named a VP. Kuntzman also becomes a member of Roche's exec cmte. and board of directors. A Brooklyn College graduate, Kuntzman took his MS and PhD degrees from George Washington University. He has authored or co-authored nearly 200 research articles and abstracts, and is a member of the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, serving as secty.-treasurer of that group from 1981-1984. In a press release announcing the transition, Roche highlighted the similarities in the backgrounds of Kuntzman and his predecessor Burns, who has headed Roche R&D since 1966. Both are New York natives, Roche said, and both men's research careers have included stops at the Natl. Institutes of Health and at the Wellcome Research Laboratories. Kuntzman will be supervising a Roche research program which is emphasizing biotechnology and vitamin research, which was Burns' specialty. The firm is currently conducting clinical trials with leukocyte A and leukocyte D biosynthetic interferon, and Roche is also working with interleukin-2 for use in immune deficiency conditions. Other products in clinicals include: aniracetam, a mental performance enhancing product; Tegison (etretinate), an antipsoriatic; and nitrazepam, an anticonvulsant/hypnotic. The firm is also continuing to work with Zantac (ranitidine) for additional ulcer uses.