Roche has named Rainer Metternich, PhD, head of small molecules research (SMR), effective immediately. He takes over from Klaus Strein, who will retire from Roche.

As head of SMR, Rainer will lead some 800 scientists across Europe and the US who work in medicinal chemistry, discovery technologies, process research and formulation. He will oversee the development of SMR's mid- and long-term vision and strategy and guide the group as it applies novel technologies to develop world-class compounds.

Rainer brings more than two decades of experience in the pharma industry. Most recently, Rainer served as chief scientific officer and chief business officer with Caprotec, a biotechnology company in Berlin.