Sanofi, an integrated global healthcare leader, and the Institut Pasteur, an internationally renowned centre of biomedical research, have conferred four recipients the 2013 Sanofi - Institut Pasteur Awards with an award of €100,000 that honor innovation in biomedical research at Sanofi’s headquarters.

This event is organized under the Patronage of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research to promote scientific excellence in the service of health, the awards honor internationally renowned researchers.

Four award recipients were selected among the 80 scientists who were nominated this year for these awards for their research in four different fields: Dr Carolina BARILLAS-MURY, in the field of tropical and neglected diseases; Dr Christelle DESNUES, in the field of disease prevention, including vaccines; Pr. Alain FISCHER, in the field of immunology, immunomodulation, immunogenetics and translational technologies and Pr. Roy KISHONY, in the field of new approaches to drug resistance.

Professor Peter C. Agre, 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and chairman of the selection jury, Christopher A Viehbacher, chief executive officer, Sanofi and Professor Christian Bréchot, president of the Institut Pasteur, participated in the proceedings.

“The Institut Pasteur is proud to accompany Sanofi, its historic and privileged partner, in presenting Awards to four outstanding laureates”, stated Pr. Christian Bréchot, president of the Institut Pasteur. “For 125 years, our Institut has perpetuated the concept launched by Louis Pasteur of fundamental research tightly linked to its practical applications. To see his name associated with that of a global healthcare company via the “Sanofi - Institut Pasteur Awards” seems to me a strong emblem of his vision functioning better than ever today.”

“The coming together of Sanofi and Institut Pasteur for these Awards reflects two of the core elements required in improving global health - innovation and partnership. Sanofi is proud to support this initiative”, said Christopher A Viehbacher. “There will always be a certain amount of  uncertainty in science, but without the creativity, courage, passion and determination of scientists, such as those we honor through these awards, we would not succeed in bringing future innovative solutions to meet patient needs.”

The Institut Pasteur, is a recognized private non-profit foundation. Its mission is to contribute to preventing and fighting disease in France and around the world, through scientific and medical research, education, and public health activities.

Sanofi discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme.