Sanofi-aventis has announced the appointment of Dr Richard Klausner to chairman of the Strategic Development and Scientific Advisory Council (SDSAC), effective March 1, 2011.  Dr Klausner will work directly with Dr Elias Zerhouni, president, global research & development and also will act as special scientific and strategic advisor to Christopher A Viehbacher, chief executive officer of sanofi-aventis.

Created in November 2010 and initially chaired by Dr Elias Zerhouni, the SDSAC is a unique structure developed to enhance sanofi-aventis’ scientific discovery in a collaborative approach with external advisors. This council has been one of the most forward-looking projects sanofi-aventis has initiated within its renewed R&D organization.

“The Council is a vital part of our efforts to open sanofi-aventis’ research and development efforts to outside perspectives”, said Christopher A Viehbacher, chief executive officer of sanofi-aventis.  “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.  We are delighted and most grateful to Dr Klausner for accepting the invitation to be part of this important venture.”

“Under Dr Klausner’s leadership and together with some of the most talented scientists around the world, the goal of this Council is to capitalize on the great minds of today to help us challenge current discoveries, identify new trends in science and deepen our relationship with the external scientific world,” said Dr Elias Zerhouni, president, global research & development.

Dr Klausner is the former executive director for global health of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He was director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) between 1995 and 2001. He is currently partner at the Column Group, a San Francisco based venture firm.