Sanofi-aventis appoints SDSAC chairman

Sanofi-aventis has named Dr Richard Klausner as the new chairman of its Strategic Development and Scientific Advisory Council (SDSAC).

Dr Klausner, who took up the position at the beginning of the month, is the former executive director for global health at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and has also previously served as the director of the US National Cancer Institute.

He will assume leadership over the SDSAC, which was originally created in November 2010, in order to enhance the company's ability to collaborate with external advisors on scientific discoveries.

Dr Klausner will be working directly with Sanofi-aventis' president for global research and development Dr Elias Zerhouni, while also acting as a special scientific and strategic advisor to chief executive officer Christopher Viehbacher.

"We are delighted and most grateful to Dr Klausner for accepting the invitation to be part of this important venture," said Mr Viehbacher.

Earlier this month, Sanofi-aventis announced an extension of its partnership with the World Health Organization that will see it provide funding for various initiatives to combat tropical diseases.