Former Gates Foundation director joins Sanofi

pharmafile | March 14, 2011 | News story | Research and Development Dr Richard Klausner, Sanofi-Aventis, appointment, research and development 

Sanofi-Aventis has appointed a former Gates Foundation director to chair its strategic development and scientific advisory council.

Dr Richard Klausner will work directly with Sanofi’s head of R&D Elias Zerhouni and also act as a special scientific and strategic advisor to chief executive Chris Viehbacher.

“The council is a vital part of our efforts to open Sanofi-Aventis’ research and development efforts to outside perspectives,” said Chris Viehbacher. “It demonstrates our conviction in the benefit of partnering to further develop a truly world-class research and development platform for future innovation for the benefit of patients around the world.”

The council was formed in November 2010 and initially helmed by Elias Zerhouni, who took on a wider R&D role at Sanofi earlier this year.

He said Dr Klausner’s appointment would help the company deepen its relationship with the external scientific world.

“Under Dr Klausner’s leadership and together with some of the most talented scientists around the world, the goal of this Council is to capitalise on the great minds of today.”

Dr Klausner is the former executive director for global health of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and previously served as director of the National Cancer Institute between 1995 and 2001.

He is currently a partner at San Francisco venture capital firm Column Group.

Dominic Tyer

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