Sanofi has appointed its chief scientific officer Dr Gary Nabel as chair of its strategic development and scientific advisory council (SDSAC).
He succeeds Dr Richard Klausner, a former executive director for Global Health of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, who led the council since March 2011.
The SDSAC was created in November 2010 to advise Sanofi on emerging areas of science and technology to support its R&D activities and also aims to enhance the pharma company’s collaborative efforts through the development of a strong network of scientists and institutional partnerships.
Commenting on Dr Nabel’s appointment, Sanofi’s president global R&D Dr Elisa Zerhouni said: “I am delighted that Dr Gary Nabel will continue to make this council a vital part of our efforts to open Sanofi’s research and development to outside perspectives.
“I also wish to recognise and warmly thank Dr Richard Klausner who has been an outstanding adviser to the council. Under his leadership and invaluable experience, he has played a key role in setting out the role and composition of a group of experienced and internationally recognised advisers.”
Dr Nabel joined Sanofi as chief scientific officer in November last year, having previously served as director of the vaccine research centre (VRC) of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases – part of the US National Institutes of Health.
His predecessor as SDSAC chair Dr Klausner, in addition to his work at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, also served as director of the National Cancer Institute for the six years to 2001 and is currently a partner at San Francisco-based venture firm and the Column Group.